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

Most memorably, Megan Fox appears as a poster on Benny’s dorm room wall, which springs to life during irreverent confessionals. —Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 17 May 2025

Laver shared, the brand is meant to be authentic and irreverent…not polished. —Shimite Obialo, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

Von, 45, has built a significant following with his irreverent style, attracting guests from across the political and cultural spectrum. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025

Stoner lawn art, as part of No-Mo May, taps into this ethos of sustainability but with a lighthearted and often irreverent twist. —Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 7 May 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