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

This formula features a ferment blend to support the scalp and a trio of African oils, baobab, moringa, and black seed, that slip past raised cuticles to replenish the inner cortex, improving elasticity and reducing breakage. —Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 25 Nov. 2025

Feelings underlie our sense of meaning not only in the external world but also in our imagination of inner worlds. —Literary Hub, 25 Nov. 2025

While backspinning through Cancer, Jupiter brings expansion to our inner world. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025

The parade then heads westbound on Benjamin Franklin Parkway (only inner lanes) to Eakins Oval. —Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 25 Nov. 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 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