inward

1 of 3

adjective

in·​ward ˈin-wərd 

1

: situated on the inside : inner

2

a

: of or relating to the mind or spirit

inward peace

b

: absorbed in one's own mental or spiritual life : introspective

3

: marked by close acquaintance : familiar

4

: directed toward the interior

inward

2 of 3

adverb

in·​ward ˈin-wərd 

variants or inwards

ˈin-wərdz 

1

: toward the inside, center, or interior

2

: toward the inner being

inward

3 of 3

noun

1

: something that is inward

2

inwards ˈin-ərdz  -wərdz  plural : innards

Synonyms of inward

Adjective

• inner
• interior
• internal

Noun

• inside(s)
• viscera
• innards
• gut
• entrails
• vitals
• bowel(s)
• intestine(s)

Examples of inward in a Sentence

Adjective

moved towards the inward room for more privacy

he's more inward with the president than most members of the cabinet

Adverb

The window faces inward toward the courtyard.

He turned his attention inward.

Noun

the hunter cleaned the deer by slicing open the belly and removing the inwards

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Trump will pass; the inward turn won’t. — Ian Bremmer, Time, 25 June 2026

This force pushes outward, counteracting the inward pull of gravity. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026

Adverb

While the look screams confidence with its crisp and clean cuts, the wispy and delicate ends that curl inward towards the jaw give a feminine touch. — Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 1 July 2026

Plus, there's no wild warping or inward bending, which occurs on some ultrawide sensors. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 29 June 2026

Noun

When your windows are open at night, place a fan nearby to help disperse that air inwards. — Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 18 May 2026

Pull your wax petal off the spoon and press gently into the center, so the edges curl inwards like a real flower petal. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Old English inweard (akin to Old High German inwert), from in + -weard -ward entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

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

Adverb

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

Noun

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

Kids Definition

inward

1 of 2 adjective

in·​ward ˈin-wərd 

1

: situated on the inside : inner

2

: of or relating to the mind or spirit

an inward peace

3

: directed toward the interior

an inward flow

inward

2 of 2 adverb

variants or inwards

ˈin-wərdz 

1

: toward the inside, center, or interior

2

: toward the mind or spirit