irreverent

adjective

ir·​rev·​er·​ent i-ˈre-v(ə-)rənt 

ˌi(r)-,

-ˈre-vərnt

: lacking proper respect or seriousness

also : satiric

irreverently adverb

Synonyms

• blasphemous
• impious
• profane
• sacrilegious

Examples of irreverent in a Sentence

He has a delightfully irreverent sense of humor.

irreverent behavior during church services

Recent Examples on the Web

The inherent humor of Hollywood’s most coveted prize residing alongside everyday items has made this image a favorite of irreverent hotels and restaurants around the world. —Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Mar. 2025

Kieran Culkin’s good at being cocky and irreverent, and both of those characters have that. —Nate Jones, Vulture, 15 Feb. 2025

Trump and Musk view masculinity quite similarly: tough-guy language, macho actions, irreverent, crude — and often unmoved by emotionalism, empathy or restraint. —Axios, 13 Feb. 2025

Cue the irreverent and whimsical twists to his sober and tailored suits and trenches, like the tiny cowbells referencing the Swiss heritage of the brand or his diving into the country’s folk stories, such as the legend of an Engadine lake mermaid, for fall 2024. —Luisa Zargani, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin irreverent-, irreverens, from in- + reverent-, reverens reverent

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for irreverent

• reverent

Kids Definition

irreverent

adjective

ir·​rev·​er·​ent (ˈ)ir-ˈ(r)ev-(ə-)rənt 

-ərnt

: showing lack of reverence

irreverent joking and giggling in church

irreverence

-ˈ(r)ev-(ə-)rən(t)s

-ˈ(r)ev-ərn(t)s

noun

irreverently adverb