inward

1 of 3

adjective

in·​ward ˈin-wərd 

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 

variants or inwards

ˈin-wərdz 

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  -wərdz  plural : innards

Synonyms

Adjective

• inner
• inside
• interior
• internal

Noun

• entrails
• gut
• innards
• inside(s)
• viscera
• vitals

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

Adjective

However, the company’s inward orientation is unlikely to make 2025 the year of its stellar return to global oil markets. —Aldo Flores-Quiroga, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

The unrest may also reinforce Xi’s inward turn, as protesters were able to broadcast and share messages outside China through the Internet. —Yuen Yuen Ang, Foreign Affairs, 2 Dec. 2022

Adverb

Blocking the deal would reinforce perceptions – or perhaps confirm conclusions – that the United States is turning inward and leaving longtime allies in the lurch. —Dan Ikenson, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

After 50+ years exploring the far corners of the world, the director focuses inward — on the human brain, via the cutting-edge field of neuroscience, with its attendant ethical quandaries. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 13 Dec. 2024

Noun

Sometimes the inward and the outward can make for an interesting blend, converging in a house party feel of sorts. —Angelo Flaccavento, CNN, 17 Jan. 2023

One hundred feet of skid marks scarred the highway, and cracks throughout the vehicle’s windshield, according to an expert from Ford Motor Co., appeared to have been caused by simultaneous inward and outward forces. —Alexis Oatman, cleveland, 13 Jan. 2023

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

Kids Definition

inward

1 of 2 adjective

in·​ward ˈin-wərd 

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

ˈin-wərdz 

1

: toward the inside, center, or interior

2

: toward the mind or spirit