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

• inside
• interior
• internal
• inward

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

His inner conversation must be very loud and very extreme. Dedra, on the other hand, is a zealot. —Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025

But getting in some side-to-side work beforehand fires up muscles like your adductors (inner thighs), abductors (outside of your hips), and glute medius (side-butt), which stabilize and move your hips. —Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 25 Apr. 2025

Its design has changed little since then, still incorporating an inner surface that sits at a 60- to 90-degree angle relative to the user's urine stream. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 25 Apr. 2025

Your quiet inner knowing is on its way to becoming a steady source of helpful wisdom. —Colin Bedell, Them., 25 Apr. 2025

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 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