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 of irreverent

• atheistic
• secular
• blasphemous
• sacrilegious
• impious
• profane
• pagan

Examples of irreverent in a Sentence

He has a delightfully irreverent sense of humor.

irreverent behavior during church services

Recent Examples on the Web

Their earliest performances could be fun and irreverent, too, but Boy George says they were also marred by ignorant, homophobic heckling. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2026

That charming and shaggy approach is fitting for such a campy and irreverent comedy, ultimately substituting polish for an equal mixture of artistic grit and careless joy. —Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 12 June 2026

Barneys New York ranks as one of retail’s greatest makeovers — transforming from a menswear discounter in the ’60s into a chic and irreverent enclave for luxury fashion. —David Moin, Footwear News, 11 June 2026

Although the book also connects the personal and the political, its irreverent intimacy felt risky for someone with a mass audience. —Hillary Chute, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026

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