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

Once the plant is harvest-ready, focus your efforts on the outer leaves, so the inner ones can continue to grow the next year. — The Spruce, 24 Sep. 2026

Graham also dragged a shimmery charcoal hue from her outer corner to her inner corner to accent her bottom line. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

The lieutenant’s report said that the relationship became physical last summer when Cruz allegedly started grabbing her upper and inner thigh, the warrant affidavit said. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 24 Sep. 2026

But sequences in the film that show his inner torment serve an important purpose, says Primetime editor Daniel Garber. — Samantha Bergeson, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 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