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.
That makes the entire package a memorable gift, or a keepsake for your inner chef. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 7 July 2026 Onstage, Shakira unleashed her inner rock star during the song, working the stage and the mic stand in a purple corset and matching fringe pants and whipping her lengthy curls like a weapon. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 7 July 2026 Both inner and outer displays are spacious and stunning, and a powerful processor supports a rich range of AI features as well as all your everyday tasks. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 6 July 2026 But as the season progresses, the guitars are streaked with what is supposed to be an increasing amount of blood, an aesthetic reflection of Lestat’s inner struggles. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 7 July 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 10 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on inner

Nglish: Translation of inner for Spanish Speakers

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