INWARDLY Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

inwardly

adverb

Definition of inwardly

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

Adverb

The bedroom selfie Flora secretly sends her the morning after is the final straw impelling Carla to file for divorce.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026
The Arctic Frost investigation was later revealed to have involved Smith’s team secretly obtaining the phone records of several Republican lawmakers.

— Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of secretly

Adverb

Though they’ve been long separated, Jane and Mike have a solid friendship; one that can only be formed after knowing and loving someone intimately for half your life.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026
Now, the emerging understanding that transposons are intimately interwoven within the regulatory workings of the host genome is rehabilitating their reputation as critical sources of evolutionary innovation.

— Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of intimately

Adverb

Rival Kalshi in April became the first exchange to complete a block trade, which are large transactions negotiated privately to avoid price volatility that are typical on Wall Street.

— Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
Ultimately, the C-suite led with the name that signaled quality to the widest set of possible consumers (even if execs privately fretted about diluting the good name of HBO with a streaming service featuring thousands of shows of varying quality).

— Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 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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Style

“Inwardly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inwardly. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of inwardly

adverb

Example Sentences

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