1 within | Definition of within

within

adverb
with·​in | \ wi-ˈt͟hin How to pronounce within (audio) , -ˈthin How to pronounce within (audio) \

Definition of within

 (Entry 1 of 4)

1 : in or into the interior : inside
2 : in one's inner thought, disposition, or character : inwardly search within for a creative impulse— Kingman Brewster †1988

within

preposition

Definition of within (Entry 2 of 4)

1 used as a function word to indicate enclosure or containment
2 used as a function word to indicate situation or circumstance in the limits or compass of: such as
a : before the end of gone within a week
b(1) : not beyond the quantity, degree, or limitations of live within your income
(2) : in or into the scope or sphere of within the jurisdiction of the state
(3) : in or into the range of within reach within sight
(4) used as a function word to indicate a specified difference or margin came within two points of a perfect markwithin a mile of the town
3 : to the inside of : into sunk the sea within the earth— William Shakespeare

within

noun

Definition of within (Entry 3 of 4)

: an inner place or area revolt from within

within

adjective

Definition of within (Entry 4 of 4)

: being inside : enclosed the within indictment

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Synonyms & Antonyms for within

Synonyms: Noun

innards, inside, interior

Antonyms: Noun

exterior, outside

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Examples of within in a Sentence

Adverb

We could hear sounds coming from within. The sign on the door says “Help Wanted: Inquire Within.” We all try to appear strong and attempt to hide the scared little child within. They were outwardly calm but nervous within.

Preposition

They live within the city limits. We could hear sounds coming from within his apartment. Reports from within the company indicate a change in policy. Most students find a job within a year of graduating. She made several friends within days of moving into her new apartment. He entered the house, and within seconds, he was surrounded by children. Everything I need is within a few miles of my apartment.

Noun

structural decay had started from within
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Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

For so many reasons, the moon is our first stepping stone to the greater reaches of space and the mysteries that lie within. Brian Resnick, Vox, "How Apollo moon rocks reveal the epic history of the cosmos," 15 July 2019 Tanner Krebs scored 12 points on four 3-pointers — all in the first half — while Emmett Naar had eight assists to pull within 18 of the school's career record while helping the Gaels (22-2, 11-0 West Coast Conference) to their 17th consecutive win. USA TODAY, "Landale has 26 in No. 13 Saint Mary's 79-43 win over USF," 2 Feb. 2018 By early September, internal numbers from McBath’s campaign had her within 2 points of Handel. P.r. Lockhart, Vox, "6 years ago her son was murdered. Now Lucy McBath is heading to Congress.," 8 Nov. 2018 Back-to-back bogeys by Frodigh in combination with a pair of pars by Parziale enabled the reigning MassAm champ to pull within two with three holes remaining. Mia Berry, BostonGlobe.com, "Defending MassAm champion Matt Parziale falls in quarters," 12 July 2018 Milwaukee scored twice in the eighth to pull within 4-3, and with the Brewers down to their final strike, Christian Yelich and Ryan Braun took Dominic Leone deep on consecutive pitches for a wild, remarkable finish. Jr Radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Ranking the Brewers' 14 walk-off wins against the St. Louis Cardinals," 25 June 2018 The Heat had rallied from a 21-point deficit to pull within seven when Belinelli sank his lone 3 of the game. Tom Orsborn, San Antonio Express-News, "Belinelli hopes to rekindle magic in second stint with Spurs," 10 July 2018 The Yankees beat the Blue Jays on Saturday to improve to 10-9 and pull within six and one-half games of the Red Sox, who were beaten in a no-hitter in Oakland Saturday night. Billy Witz, New York Times, "Gleyber Torres Is Joining the Yankees," 21 Apr. 2018 The diagonal beams are like a scaffold that holds in place the condominiums and offices and elevator stacks within. John King, SFChronicle.com, "New nimble, frisky SoMa tower fits neatly into surroundings," 6 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Its Japanese wild rose helps shrink the appearance of pores, while Hadasei-3, its bioactive trinity complex comprised of rice, green tea, and algae, reinvigorates the skin for a lit-from-within finish. Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "5 Sunscreens That Will Also Give You a Glow," 15 May 2019 Relying on his seasoned talent and ability to give clients a lit-from-within look, Martin was able to deliver a flawless application that was nowhere near overdone. Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "The Surprising Story Behind Meghan Markle’s Wedding Day Makeup," 28 Feb. 2019 The favorite that once left me with a lit-from-within glow came up flat after my dermatologist prescribed new medicine that left my skin drier than usual. Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, "365 Days of Foundation: How One Vogue Writer Finally Found a Perfect Match," 18 Apr. 2019 With more and more people opting for radiant, lit-from-within skin over a matte look, the beauty brand just launched a brand-new version of its beloved Translucent Loose Setting Powder fit for the current glow generation. Devon Abelman, Allure, "Laura Mercier's Translucent Setting Powder Glow Is Perfect for People Who Want Glow-y Skin, But Hate Highlighter," 14 Aug. 2018 That's not to say there aren't products that melt into your skin to fake that dewy, lit-from-within look. Glamour Beauty Editors, Glamour, "18 Genius Tips for Glowing Skin," 2 Aug. 2018 In the meantime, let Lopez's flawless, lit-from-within skin be your inspo to snag her products before they're gone. Alex Warner, Marie Claire, "Jennifer Lopez Is Launching a 70-Piece Makeup Collection," 5 Apr. 2018 To accompany Lima’s body-hugging, shimmering gold Julien Macdonald dress, Ta dipped into a familiar palette of warm bronze shades from Maybelline, focusing on the Brazilian bombshell’s naturally lit-from-within glow and piercing blue gaze. Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "How Adriana Lima Got Ready for the amfAR Gala in Cannes," 18 May 2018 Trying to make change from within was a slow process for Rodriguez, who said homophobia was rampant in the NYPD in the ‘80s. NBC News, "Police at Pride? Gay cops, LGBTQ activists struggle to see eye-to-eye," 23 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Expecting both John Brown and Cole Beasley to have solid games in PPR formats is well within reason as QB Josh Allen could exploit the holes in the backend of the Jets’ defense. Frankie Taddeo, SI.com, "Top Fantasy Football Streaming Options for Week 1," 4 Sep. 2019 Despite scoring just four goals during that stretch, Wednesday's game stayed well within reach as the Dash found yet failed to convert solid opportunities until Mewis leveled the match. Glynn A. Hill, Houston Chronicle, "Veronica Latsko's goal caps Dash's comeback win over Reign," 23 May 2018 The formula is available in seven super-flattering shades and can be worn alone, blended with foundation, or applied as a highlighter to give skin a dewy, lit-from-within appearance. Kathleen Mulpeter, Health.com, "This Splurge-Worthy Product Is the Secret Behind Zendaya, Emma Roberts, and Kate Upton’s Gorgeous Oscars Glow," 5 Mar. 2018 While the Rockets continued to misfire, going 1 of 6 on 3s in the final three minutes of the half, the Hornets made enough free throws to stay within range as Walker sank a 3-pointer and four free throws to cut the lead to 10. Jonathan Feigen, Houston Chronicle, "Rockets fire their way past Hornets," 27 Oct. 2017 The works within are notable for their inventive use of negative space and intentional omissions, which goes to show that what isn’t present can often be just as affecting as what is. Ryan P. Smith, Smithsonian, "From Egyptian Cats to Crime Scenes, Here’s a Preview of the Smithsonian’s Upcoming Shows," 8 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'within.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of within

Adverb

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

Preposition

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1748, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for within

Adverb

Middle English withinne, from Old English withinnan, from with + innan inwardly, within, from in

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