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

Freewheeling in nature and with a knack for mixing eclectic cultures, Yang proposed a thoughtful collection with an irreverent edge, one consistently framed by Yang’s lineup of Asian female protagonists. —Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2025

Marking Benna’s feature directorial and editorial debut, André Is an Idiot watches as André, an irreverent man, embarks on an unexpected journey after receiving a terminal diagnosis, determined to maintain his humor while learning to die happily. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2025

But when Lavin died unexpectedly after most of the season had been shot, an irreverent sitcom with an impressive zingers-per-minute rate suddenly had to pivot. —Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

Indeed, its tonal balance feels of a piece with the playwright’s personality—erudition and prudent attention to identity and representation leavened with irreverent nods to his throat chakra, The Artist’s Way, and teen soaps on The WB. —Marley Marius, Vogue, 25 Feb. 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