What does "inward" mean?
That which is inward or within; the inner parts or organs of the body; the viscera.
Inward
adj, adv, noun
adj, adv, noun ·2 syllables ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: That which is inward or within; the inner parts or organs of the body; the viscera.
- Grammar: inward is listed as adj, adv, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: anonymous, bosom, center, central.
- Useful contrasts: centrifugal, centrifugal governor, external.
- Usage evidence: Hands reveal our inward emotions.
How to use "inward"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "inward" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "inward" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "inward" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "inward" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "inward" is acting as adj, adv, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "anonymous" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "inward", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 That which is inward or within; the inner parts or organs of the body; the viscera. in-plural, obsolete
"[T]his man is a servant of the eyes of men, and offers parchment or a white skin in sacrifice, but the flesh and the inwards he leaves to be consumed by a stranger fire."
- 2 The mental faculties or other characteristics not immediately apparent. in-plural, obsolete
- 3 A familiar friend or acquaintance. obsolete
"I was an inward of his."
Adjective
- 1 Situated on the inside; that is within, inner; belonging to the inside.
- 2 Not superficially obvious, inner, not expressed, especially relating to mental or spiritual faculties as opposed to external ones.
"Noble and milde this Perſean ſeemes to be, If outward habit Iudge the inward man."
- 3 Moving or tending toward the inside.
- 4 Not directed toward the outside world, and thus quiet or indistinct. archaic
- 5 Internal to a particular place or country; not foreign, domestic. obsolete
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 Secret, private, kept hidden. obsolete
- 7 Coming from one’s inmost or sincerest feelings; heartfelt, earnest. obsolete
- 8 Intimate, closely acquainted; familiar, close. obsolete
"There is nothing can be added unto the daintinesse of Fulvius wives death, who was so inward with Augustus."
- 9 Devoted to spiritual matters, pious, devout. obsolete
- 10 Tame. obsolete
- 11 Internal; applied through the stomach by being swallowed. obsolete
Adjective
- 1 relating to or existing in the mind or thoughts wordnet
- 2 directed or moving inward or toward a center wordnet
Adverb
- 1 Towards the inside. not-comparable
- 2 Towards one’s mind, thoughts, or internal self. not-comparable
"So much the rather, thou Celestial Light, / Shine inward."
- 3 On the inside, within, inside. not-comparable, obsolete
- 4 In one’s mind, thoughts, or internal self. not-comparable, obsolete
- 5 Towards home. not-comparable
Adverb
- 1 toward the center or interior wordnet
- 2 to or toward the inside of wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Hands reveal our inward emotions."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "inward"?
Common synonyms include: anonymous, bosom, center, central, centripetal, change in concentration.
How do you use "inward" in a sentence?
Hands reveal our inward emotions.
Etymology
From Middle English inward, from Old English inweard, corresponding to in + -ward.