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.
The smallest rooms, the Cosy Doubles, look onto the inner courtyard; the best turn towards Avenida dos Aliados. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026 As creatures from Indonesian mythology emerge to threaten his students’ community, Chris and his pupils find their fight extends beyond monsters to their own inner struggles. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Aug. 2026 Her relationship with her boyfriend Ben (who happens to be an avid outdoorsman) has led her to believe certain things about herself, and has shaped her inner voice. — Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026 Rather, their time-switching variety and tone-shifting allusions suggest a trip through subjectivity—through Sterling’s inner life and through the collective memory of the town. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 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 16 Aug. 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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