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

If Jimmy and his gang are any indication, the next film will eschew cancer drama for something more irreverent and even weirder than the turns 28 Years Later takes. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 20 June 2025

And those are not without their pleasures and irreverent homages to film tropes in various genres. —Lindsey Bahr, Boston Herald, 19 June 2025

Harner recalls Reaser was a particularly potent combination of funny, irreverent, self-effacing and beautiful. —Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025

Now that Reebok is back in the golf market, the long-standing athletic label has collaborated with golf brand Manors for the first time to create a collection blending heritage performance with an irreverent take on golf culture. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 6 June 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