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 anti-chafing stick from MegaBabe is my go-to to prevent soreness in the inner thigh area, where legs tend to rub together. —Terri Peters, Parents, 6 Mar. 2026

That set in motion a sequence that sent the puck back to the big Finn for a goal from the inner part of the left circle, his fourth goal of the campaign. —Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 6 Mar. 2026

Both feature an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz and reach 6,000 nits (outer) and 5,000 nits (inner) brightness. —Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 5 Mar. 2026

Tapping into your inner child is truly an underrated experience, especially when slime is involved. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 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