inner

adjective

in·​ner ˈi-nər How to pronounce inner (audio)
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

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.
The teen may feel invisible, unheard or powerless in other areas of life, and their eating disorder may become a way to express that inner turmoil without saying much. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025 But for each of these artists, there are countless others who lack the inner resources needed to be away so long from their friends and family—not to say, their material—and for whom exile is arid and sterile. Aatish Taseer, Time, 15 July 2025 Director Iván Sierra frames it as a meditation on how fear of losing happiness breeds violence – and how true peace lies in confronting inner fears. Callum McLennan, Variety, 15 July 2025 That’s when the inner trouble Neil has been evading since his Brooklyn childhood hauntingly resounds. Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Inner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inner. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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