introverted

adjective

in·​tro·​vert·​ed ˈin-trə-ˌvər-təd 

: 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

• backward
• bashful
• coy
• demure
• diffident
• modest
• recessive
• retiring
• self-effacing
• sheepish
• shy
• withdrawn

Examples of introverted in a Sentence

a quiet, introverted child who likes to sit at home and read books

Recent Examples on the Web

Mariah, an energetic publicity executive in Oregon also described herself as an introverted extrovert, had a passion for self-exploration and chose work different from everyone else in her family. —Jessie Rosen, People.com, 3 May 2025

Research published by Adam Grant and his colleagues in the Academy of Management Journal found that introverted leaders often drive better results than extroverts, particularly when managing proactive employees. —Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025

The film, directed by Vivek Soni, marks Madhavan’s return to the romance genre and follows an unlikely relationship between a 40-something introverted teacher and a confident 30-something woman who is a French teacher. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 Apr. 2025

In The Amateur, Malek, 43, plays an introverted CIA analyst who seeks revenge on the men who killed his wife, played by Brosnahan, 34. —Tommy McArdle, People.com, 11 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for introverted

• controverted
• disconcerted
• extroverted
• preconcerted
• reasserted
• reconverted
• reinserted
• unconverted
• adverted
• alerted
• asserted
• averted

Medical Definition

introverted

adjective

in·​tro·​vert·​ed ˈin-trə-ˌvərt-əd 

variants also introvert

ˈin-trə-ˌvərt 

: having or suggesting the characteristics of an introvert

especially : possessing a reserved or quiet nature typically with an inclination to solitude compare extroverted