inwardly

adverb

in·​ward·​ly ˈin-wərd-lē How to pronounce inwardly (audio)
1
: in the innermost being : mentally, spiritually
2
a
: beneath the surface : internally
bled inwardly
b
: to oneself : privately
cursed inwardly

Examples of inwardly in a Sentence

She was outwardly calm but inwardly nervous.
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.
Laura inwardly smirked at the characteristic self-doubt of a woman some eight years her junior. Hannah Gold, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025 But in those countries, the sentiment seems to be more inwardly directed than outwardly directed toward states on their peripheries. Foreign Affairs, 7 Mar. 2016 While resolutions are more of a tradeoff, transformational growth is inwardly motivated, purposeful and intentional. Tinna Jackson, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 But her classmates had no interest in civic life—in expanding themselves inwardly in order to be of help to the world. Sheila Heti, The New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inwardly

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inwardly was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Inwardly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inwardly. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

inwardly

adverb
in·​ward·​ly ˈin-wərd-lē How to pronounce inwardly (audio)
1
: in the mind or spirit
2
a
: on the inside
bled inwardly
b
: to oneself : privately
chuckled inwardly

More from Merriam-Webster on inwardly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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