inwardly

adverb

in·​ward·​ly ˈin-wərd-lē How to pronounce inwardly (audio)
1
: in the innermost being : mentally, spiritually
2
a
: beneath the surface : internally
bled inwardly
b
: to oneself : privately
cursed inwardly

Examples of inwardly in a Sentence

She was outwardly calm but inwardly nervous.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Josh O’Connor, as the outwardly brash but inwardly secretive and vulnerable David, makes his presence felt in every scene. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 May 2025 The silhouette also features a pointed toe and inwardly angled low block heel evoking the classic cowboy boot shape. Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 20 May 2025 The position dustups have also exposed Devers’ first instinct to be inwardly focused. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025 Even when internal pressures (organizational change, budget constraints) are high, leaders can’t afford to remain inwardly focused. John Cairney, Sportico.com, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inwardly

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of inwardly was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inwardly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inwardly. Accessed 31 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

inwardly

adverb
in·​ward·​ly ˈin-wərd-lē How to pronounce inwardly (audio)
1
: in the mind or spirit
2
a
: on the inside
bled inwardly
b
: to oneself : privately
chuckled inwardly

More from Merriam-Webster on inwardly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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