introverted

adjective

in·​tro·​vert·​ed ˈin-trə-ˌvər-təd 

: having or suggesting the characteristics of an introvert

especially : possessing a reserved or quiet nature typically with an inclination to solitude

It frustrates and pains me to hear so many stories about how misunderstood and overlooked most introverted people felt when they were growing up.

—Marti Olsen Laney

compare extroverted

Synonyms of introverted

• shy
• withdrawn

Examples of introverted in a Sentence

a quiet, introverted child who likes to sit at home and read books

Recent Examples on the Web

An introverted child, Ortiz grew up enjoying painting and handcrafts, as well as having an interest in engineering and how things are built. —Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026

On the first day of high school, introverted Okuto Nakumara spots his classmate Aiki Hirose in the crowd of an assembly, and immediately falls head over heels for him. —Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 3 Apr. 2026

Murder by Numbers is an entertainingly nasty thriller about two high-schoolers, popular Richard (Gosling) and introverted Justin (Michael Pitt), who plan the perfect murder and frame a local drug dealer for it. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026

Directed by Lynne Ramsay, the movie follows Joe (Joaquin Phoenix), an introverted loner who rescues women who find themselves in precarious positions. —Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

past participle of introvert entry 2, in psychological sense in part as translation of German introvertiert

Note: Regarding use in psychology see note at extroversion.

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for introverted

• controverted
• disconcerted
• extroverted
• preconcerted
• reasserted
• reconverted
• reinserted
• unconverted
• adverted
• alerted
• asserted
• averted

Medical Definition

introverted

adjective

in·​tro·​vert·​ed ˈin-trə-ˌvərt-əd 

variants also introvert

ˈin-trə-ˌvərt 

: having or suggesting the characteristics of an introvert

especially : possessing a reserved or quiet nature typically with an inclination to solitude compare extroverted