inner

adjective

in·​ner ˈi-nər 

1

a

: situated farther in

the inner bark

b

: being near a center especially of influence

the inner circles of political power

2

a

: of or relating to the mind or spirit

the inner life

b

: existing as an often repressed part of one's psychological makeup

inner child

inner artist

inner noun

innerly adverb

Synonyms

• inside
• interior
• internal
• inward

Examples of inner in a Sentence

She led the guests to an inner room.

the inner face of the arch

the inner lining of the jacket

listening to her inner voice

Recent Examples on the Web

Its inner cage rotates 360 degrees every 16 seconds while a peripheral carriage completes a full turn every minute. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 3 May 2025

This is precisely why people in positions of power must work on achieving inner calmness. —Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Time, 3 May 2025

Harvesting: If using tissue from your mouth, the periodontist will cut out a small piece of inner tissue from the roof of the mouth (or palate). —Mark Gurarie, Health, 3 May 2025

The movement is encased in a soft-iron inner cage, which shields it from magnetic fields that can negatively affects the accuracy of mechanical timepieces. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 2 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English innera, comparative of inne within

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing inner

• inner circle
• inner city
• inner conflicts
• inner-directed
• inner ear
• inner light
• inner planet
• inner product
• inner sanctum
• inner space
• inner tube
• inner workings
• one's inner self

Rhymes for inner

• dinner
• pinner
• sinner
• spinner
• thinner
• tinner
• winner
• beginner
• breadwinner

Kids Definition

inner

adjective

in·​ner ˈin-ər 

1

a

: situated farther in

inner room

b

: being near a center especially of influence

an inner circle of advisors

2

: of or relating to the mind or spirit

inner peace

innerly adverb