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

Good food, a lovely beach and warm weather are the backdrop to all this inner reflection and journey to lifelong wellness. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026

Here’s your chance to channel your inner Carolyn Hax and respond to a reader question. — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026

Sinot gave Larsson’s eyes a wash of frosty white shimmer, extending the pale shadow all the way up to the brows and enveloping the inner corners to serve as a canvas for more crystals. — Marci Robin, Allure, 8 Oct. 2026

As a result, the chances of heightened activity rise around the time the comet passes through the inner solar system — an event which last occurred in March 2025. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 7 Oct. 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