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

The Czech Republic channelled their inner Premier League influence to score from a throw-in, while Korea’s equaliser by Hwang In-beom came at the end of a 25-pass move. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 24 June 2026

Governed by the ever-changing moon, a celestial body associated with feelings, memories, comfort and our inner world, Cancers are highly receptive to their surroundings, often sensing tension before anyone says a word. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026

Excerpts from the text are applied to the left shoe’s ankle strap and both inner-tongue tags. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 24 June 2026

Both inner and outer displays are spacious and stunning, and a powerful processor supports a rich range of AI features as well as all your everyday tasks. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 24 June 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