inwardly

adverb

in·​ward·​ly ˈin-wərd-lē How to pronounce inwardly (audio)
Synonyms of inwardlynext
1
: in the innermost being : mentally, spiritually
2
a
: beneath the surface : internally
bled inwardly
b
: to oneself : privately
cursed inwardly

Examples of inwardly in a Sentence

She was outwardly calm but inwardly nervous.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Now, others rooting for a crash weren’t as inwardly focused. Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 11 Mar. 2026 Charleigh inwardly winced and froze in place, hand still on the knob. Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026 Regina turns her disdain outwardly, planning her escape, while Birde directs hers inwardly, seeing no way out. Oline Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2026 April dons her blue Beats headphones, inwardly reciting: Dead inside, dead inside, dead inside. Danielle Parker, CBS News, 4 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inwardly

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inwardly was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Inwardly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inwardly. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

inwardly

adverb
in·​ward·​ly ˈin-wərd-lē How to pronounce inwardly (audio)
1
: in the mind or spirit
2
a
: on the inside
bled inwardly
b
: to oneself : privately
chuckled inwardly

More from Merriam-Webster on inwardly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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