inward

1 of 3

adjective

in·​ward ˈin-wərd How to pronounce inward (audio)
1
: situated on the inside : inner
2
a
: of or relating to the mind or spirit
inward peace
b
: absorbed in one's own mental or spiritual life : introspective
3
: marked by close acquaintance : familiar
4
: directed toward the interior

inward

2 of 3

adverb

in·​ward ˈin-wərd How to pronounce inward (audio)
variants or inwards
1
: toward the inside, center, or interior
2
: toward the inner being

inward

3 of 3

noun

1
: something that is inward
2
inwards ˈin-ərdz How to pronounce inward (audio) -wərdz How to pronounce inward (audio) plural : innards

Examples of inward in a Sentence

Adjective moved towards the inward room for more privacy he's more inward with the president than most members of the cabinet Adverb The window faces inward toward the courtyard. He turned his attention inward. Noun the hunter cleaned the deer by slicing open the belly and removing the inwards
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.
Adjective
For me, the greatest human invention for abiding with and describing this doubleness—the outward situation and the inward situation, and the two in constant dialogue and crisis—is the novel. Jane Ciabattari september 25, Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025 Accept it, with an inward sigh, as part of the deal? Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2025
Adverb
Other potentially concerning changes including nipple discharge, pain or swelling in their breast, changes in the color of the nipple or breast, the nipple turning inward, painful or enlarged lymph nodes in the armpits or near the collarbone, or redness or flaky skin on the breast. Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025 The hunger turns each man inward. Eli Sharabi, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
Use a clean sponge or cloth to gently wipe and dab the stain away from the outer edges inwards. Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2025 Without appearing to look, Rogers flicked the ball round the corner, straight into the path of Madueke running in behind, cutting inwards from the right. Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inward

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Old English inweard (akin to Old High German inwert), from in + -weard -ward entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

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

Adverb

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

Noun

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

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inward. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

inward

1 of 2 adjective
in·​ward ˈin-wərd How to pronounce inward (audio)
1
: situated on the inside : inner
2
: of or relating to the mind or spirit
an inward peace
3
: directed toward the interior
an inward flow

inward

2 of 2 adverb
variants or inwards
1
: toward the inside, center, or interior
2
: toward the mind or spirit

More from Merriam-Webster on inward

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