inwardness
noun
in·ward·ness
ˈin-wərd-nəs 
1
: internal quality or substance
2
: close acquaintance : familiarity
3
: fundamental nature : essence
4
: absorption in one's own mental or spiritual life
Examples of inwardness in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This emphasis on inwardness is obviously a kind of Protestantism—in particular, the kind of dissenting spiritual enthusiasm to which all Protestantism inevitably leads.
—
James Wood, The New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2023
The silent breakfasts give you a chance to start your day on a mindful note and practice the Augustinian Sisters’ longstanding tradition of dining quietly and embracing inwardness at mealtimes.
—Joni Sweet, Forbes, 17 July 2023
There’s an inwardness to the way these boys express themselves, especially in regard to each another.
—Manuel Betancourt, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Nov. 2022
The inwardness of McCorkle’s Omar has an overwhelming gravity.
—Charles McNultytheater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2022
The insistence on total inwardness, the exploration of the mysterious depths of the self, made possible the psychological richness and formal innovation of Romantic poets from Novalis to Coleridge, Leopardi, and Whitman.
—Adam Kirsch, The New Republic, 21 Oct. 2022
There is an inwardness in the songs, but also an awareness of others, almost a fear of navel-gazing or self-indulgence.
—Brandon Taylor, The New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2022
This inwardness is sometimes expressed through spirituality.
—Vogue, 30 May 2022
Veterans point to the conservatory’s cultural inwardness and intolerance of defectors as well as the leveraging of secrets, but also to Gifford’s frequent invocation of Scientology teachings.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 May 2022
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James Wood, The New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2023
The silent breakfasts give you a chance to start your day on a mindful note and practice the Augustinian Sisters’ longstanding tradition of dining quietly and embracing inwardness at mealtimes.
—Joni Sweet, Forbes, 17 July 2023
There’s an inwardness to the way these boys express themselves, especially in regard to each another.
—Manuel Betancourt, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Nov. 2022
The inwardness of McCorkle’s Omar has an overwhelming gravity.
—Charles McNultytheater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2022
The insistence on total inwardness, the exploration of the mysterious depths of the self, made possible the psychological richness and formal innovation of Romantic poets from Novalis to Coleridge, Leopardi, and Whitman.
—Adam Kirsch, The New Republic, 21 Oct. 2022
There is an inwardness in the songs, but also an awareness of others, almost a fear of navel-gazing or self-indulgence.
—Brandon Taylor, The New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2022
This inwardness is sometimes expressed through spirituality.
—Vogue, 30 May 2022
Veterans point to the conservatory’s cultural inwardness and intolerance of defectors as well as the leveraging of secrets, but also to Gifford’s frequent invocation of Scientology teachings.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 May 2022
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inwardness.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of inwardness was
in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near inwardness
Cite this Entry
“Inwardness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inwardness. Accessed 25 Sep. 2023.
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