inner

adjective

in·​ner ˈi-nər 

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

• inside
• interior
• internal
• inward

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

Finding his inner harmony has buoyed Blubaugh’s breakout. —Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025

Grace Bastidas, Editor-in-Chief What does your inner voice sound like? —Grace Bastidas, Parents, 24 Feb. 2025

There’s an option for a second helm in the main salon, but that choice would really mess with the feng shui that Aquila designed into this main inner social area. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2025

He is called upon by a monk from a secretive temple to protect a powerful child from a corrupt master, forcing him to confront his inner demons. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Feb. 2025

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

Phrases Containing inner

• inner circle
• inner city
• inner conflicts
• inner-directed
• inner ear
• inner light
• inner planet
• inner product
• inner sanctum
• inner space
• inner tube
• inner workings
• one's inner self

Rhymes for inner

• dinner
• pinner
• sinner
• spinner
• thinner
• tinner
• winner
• beginner
• breadwinner

Kids Definition

inner

adjective

in·​ner ˈin-ər 

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