inwardly

adverb

Definition of inwardlynext
as in secretly

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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 inwardly Yet inwardly, psychologically, something new awoke inside Caldwell. — Namir Khaliq, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for inwardly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inwardly
  1. secretly
  2. intimately
  3. privately
  4. sotto voce
Adverb
  • Ding was charged in 2024 with stealing artificial intelligence trade secrets from Google while secretly working with two companies based in China.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Bishop Felix Davidek responded by secretly ordaining married men and some women, including Ludmila Javorová.
    — Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of secretly
Adverb
  • But the Netflix series, though often immensely dramatic, rarely puts its characters in places that reflect them intimately.
    — Emily Zemler, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Well, the bacteria are very intimately associated with these fungi.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of intimately
Adverb
  • The post was later deleted, and Val apologized to Inaba publicly and privately.
    — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • But Republicans privately worry that growing disapproval of his administration is a liability.
    — Michelle S. Price, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of privately
Adverb
  • This isn’t a grabby, attention seeker of a film, but a quiet, watchful sort of movie that whispers its secrets sotto voce.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
  • The first and rarest category involved sotto voce confessions of personal tree-felling or maiming episodes.
    — Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Definition of sotto voce

Browse Nearby Words

inward
inwardly
inwards
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Cite this Entry

“Inwardly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inwardly. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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