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

The original Broadway production earned three Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and has delighted global audiences with its irreverent humor, according to a news release. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026

With their second full-length album, the band continues to push the corridos tumbados movement — bold, irreverent, and entirely their own. —Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 27 Mar. 2026

From a solemn Good Friday chamber concert at Grace Cathedral to the annual return of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence’s irreverent Easter in the Park celebration — including its Hunky Jesus contest — check out the Chronicle’s guide to arts and activities celebrating the holiday in the Bay Area. —Anne Schrager, San Francisco Chronicle, 27 Mar. 2026

Chas Newkey-Burden has been part of The Week Digital team for more than a decade and a journalist for 25 years, starting out on the irreverent football weekly 90 Minutes, before moving to lifestyle magazines Loaded and Attitude. —Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 24 Mar. 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