inner-directed

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of inner-directed One is inner-directed, determined to build self-esteem. Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inner-directed
Adjective
  • And for any fan of the show — and Wilson’s over-the-top, egotistical Dwight — the lyrics might not be a total surprise.
    Victoria Edel, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • In the 1998 episode, Theroux, 53, appears briefly as an egotistical writer who flirts with Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw at a party.
    John Russell, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The New York Knicks’ offense in Monday night’s 100-94 Game 2 loss to the Detroit Pistons was egocentric.
    James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The two-time Tony Award nominee is currently treading the boards in the musical adaptation of Death Becomes Her, bringing audiences to their feet eight shows a week as Helen Sharp, the downtrodden author in a forever feud with her frenemy, egocentric actress Madeline Ashton (Megan Hilty).
    Dave Quinn, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Some may have narcissistic tendencies, where putting others down gives them a sense of superiority.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Our study shows that narcissistic children often emerge as leaders in their classrooms.
    Eddie Brummelman, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And, in the context of wanting to grow up, being subject to another person’s selfish patterns is a pretty fundamental life experience.
    Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 4 May 2025
  • These people start out as aging narcissists with selfish intentions who try to navigate when each of them gets grounded in their own vulnerability.
    David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, that country’s name has become shorthand for a certain solipsistic dread in American popular culture.
    Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The dissolution of the Family is seen as a sad, painfully slow affair, as, like Brian Wilson before him, Stone drifted off into his own solipsistic world of experimentation.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The second thing is that a lot of our discussion about happiness is overly self-centered.
    Renée Onque, CNBC, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Ava Daniels is a young comedy writer who is unable to find work due to an insensitive tweet and her reputation for being self-centered and arrogant.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Carrie already knew that her father was self-absorbed and irresponsible.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Or as desperate as affluent people can be while also being completely self-absorbed.
    Glenn Kenny, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Not just for this reason, but also due to the fact she’s been so self-involved the past year.
    Erin Clack, People.com, 2 Feb. 2025
  • A little self-involved, but the check clears either way.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Inner-directed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inner-directed. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

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