introverted

adjective

in·​tro·​vert·​ed ˈin-trə-ˌvər-təd How to pronounce introverted (audio)
Synonyms of introvertednext
: having or suggesting the characteristics of an introvert
especially : possessing a reserved or quiet nature typically with an inclination to solitude
It frustrates and pains me to hear so many stories about how misunderstood and overlooked most introverted people felt when they were growing up. —Marti Olsen Laney
compare extroverted

Synonyms of introverted

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Examples of introverted in a Sentence

a quiet, introverted child who likes to sit at home and read books
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.
Leo was shy and introverted away from football. — Xavi, New York Times, 21 June 2026 If the house presents as introverted and unassuming from the street, the oceanfront side opens toward the scenery. — Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 25 June 2026 Leah Lewis stars as introverted Ellie, who falls for popular girl Aster (Alexxis Lemire) while writing love letters to her on behalf of a male friend. — Rachel Simon, Vulture, 19 June 2026 Infinite Black Inside is one of those introverted electronic records that puts the soul and intellect of its producer at its center, eschewing genre conventions out of emotional necessity. — H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for introverted

Word History

Etymology

past participle of introvert entry 2, in psychological sense in part as translation of German introvertiert

Note: Regarding use in psychology see note at extroversion.

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of introverted was in 1657

Rhymes for introverted

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Browse Nearby Words

introvert
introverted
introvertish
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Cite this Entry

“Introverted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/introverted. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

introverted

adjective
in·​tro·​vert·​ed ˈin-trə-ˌvərt-əd How to pronounce introverted (audio)
variants also introvert
ˈin-trə-ˌvərt How to pronounce introverted (audio)
: having or suggesting the characteristics of an introvert
especially : possessing a reserved or quiet nature typically with an inclination to solitude compare extroverted

More from Merriam-Webster on introverted

Nglish: Translation of introverted for Spanish Speakers

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