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

For a start, everything felt much more enclosed, thanks primarily to the fibre-glass panels installed as the inner section of the roof at the same time as both ends were covered in 1963, giving a greenhouse-like feel. —Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025

But not just any apple crisp—channel your inner Sookie and gourmet up the fall classic by adding a touch of Parmigiano-Reggiano! —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025

More specifically, Timberland’s iconic wheat boots and field boots had a firm grip on inner-city consumers who had repurposed the shoes for street style. —Riley Jones, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2025

Jamfly Outdoor Rattan Egg Chair Relax and find inner peace in this oversized rattan egg chair. —Michelle Lau, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 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