inner

adjective

in·​ner ˈi-nər How to pronounce inner (audio)
Synonyms of innernext
1
a
: situated farther in
the inner bark
b
: being near a center especially of influence
the inner circles of political power
2
a
: of or relating to the mind or spirit
the inner life
b
: existing as an often repressed part of one's psychological makeup
inner child
inner artist
inner noun
innerly adverb

Synonyms of inner

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Examples of inner in a Sentence

She led the guests to an inner room. the inner face of the arch the inner lining of the jacket listening to her inner voice
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Folks living in inner-city apartments probably won't have access to an outdoor garden. — New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2026 There’s also an under-display FaceTime camera on the inner screen that’s okay in good light but really quite bad in dim light. — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 21 Oct. 2026 The Duo’s inner screen is best used when dedicating the whole thing to a single app like Netflix. — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026 The comet is currently racing back towards the sun ahead of its next visit to the inner solar system in 2061. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inner

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English innera, comparative of inne within

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of inner was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing inner

Rhymes for inner

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Browse Nearby Words

in negotiation
inner
inner anhydride
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Cite this Entry

“Inner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inner. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inner

adjective
in·​ner ˈin-ər How to pronounce inner (audio)
1
a
: situated farther in
inner room
b
: being near a center especially of influence
an inner circle of advisors
2
: of or relating to the mind or spirit
inner peace
innerly adverb
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