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 of inner

• interior
• internal
• inside

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

But doing so means obstructing the inner part of the corona, which harbors the most important processes that underpin the puzzling phenomena of the sun’s upper atmosphere. — IEEE Spectrum, 5 Nov. 2026

That experience is on display this season, where Sasha is tapping into a previously unknown inner life. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2026

Prop the device open to 120 degrees to watch a movie, or play touchscreen games with intricate detail on the larger inner screen, which is nearly the size of an iPad Mini. — Time Staff, Time, 5 Nov. 2026

Omar has represented the district — which encompasses Minneapolis and its inner-ring suburbs — since 2019. — CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

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 resources
• 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