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

• 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

One approach is to channel your inner hipster or bike messenger, and turn the bike into a single-speed or even a fixie. —New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2025

Leaders who understand their inner selves—feelings, struggles, biases, and all—are better equipped to lead. —Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Meanwhile, Doja Cat’s eyes were carved out using a bronze shadow in the crease and a matte white in her inner corners. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025

This new visitor to the inner solar system is expected to brighten, perhaps becoming a fairly easy object to see in small telescopes or good binoculars. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 8 Sep. 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