introverted

adjective

in·​tro·​vert·​ed ˈin-trə-ˌvər-təd How to pronounce introverted (audio)
: 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web While an undergrad at UC Berkeley in the late ’90s, Hsu was an introverted music obsessive deeply concerned with coolness and taste. Julia Schimautz, The Atlantic, 13 Dec. 2022 And as the couple acclimated to living together, Iyanna realized her introverted tendencies didn’t always mesh with Jarette’s partying, bachelor lifestyle. Milan Polk, Men's Health, 2 Mar. 2022 The chat window allows for contributions from more introverted people who might not want to speak in front of the group. Laura Simpson, Quartz, 11 Oct. 2021 In a bid to make sure introverted students aren’t left behind by the group learning trend, Flanagan and her colleague, Heather Addy, redesigned the lesson structure for 266 biology undergraduate students between 2015 and 2016. Benjamin Plackett, Discover Magazine, 27 July 2021 Shy and introverted, she’s filled with various tics and nervous habits. Sophia Scorziello, Variety, 11 May 2023 An introverted homebody by nature, suddenly being forced into the world of travel sports with crowds, fluorescent lights, uncomfortable seating, and extreme temperature variability has not been an easy transition. Chaunie Brusie, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2023 Make the call on whether your introverted self prefers sitting inside and watching rain spritz the windows (go now), or your extrovert craves the warm hustle and bustle of crowds sipping suds on a sunny deck (go this summer). oregonlive, 22 Apr. 2023 Their reporting had to explore Mr. Nichols’s introverted, artistic life in light of an instance of police brutality captured on video and released to a public already distrustful of the police and reeling from gun violence. Vivian Ewing, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'introverted.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of introverted was in 1657

Dictionary Entries Near introverted

Cite this Entry

“Introverted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/introverted. Accessed 3 Jun. 2023.

Medical Definition

introverted

adjective
in·​tro·​vert·​ed ˈin-trə-ˌvərt-əd How to pronounce introverted (audio)
variants also introvert
: having or suggesting the characteristics of an introvert
especially : possessing a reserved or quiet nature typically with an inclination to solitude compare extroverted

More from Merriam-Webster on introverted

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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