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

Your 12th House of Rest and Reflection opens wider as Jupiter arrives, expanding your inner world and asking for generous rest that renews focus. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026

ZDNet Korea reports the Wide uses 60μm ultra-thin glass on its inner display, 30% thicker than the 45μm panel on the Ultra, which should mean a more durable screen the cost of a few extra grams. — Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Rather than absorbing moisture, water molecules adhere to the outer and inner surfaces of the gel, filling all the open spaces and pores to form a thin film. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 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, 29 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