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

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

Whereas Vice built buzz with bold colors, graphics and irreverent digital marketing, Snyder is banking mostly on technical credibility coupled with a very ground-up approach to connecting with golfers. —Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025

Falcon’s modern interpretations have successfully introduced the characters to new generations while maintaining their irreverent spirit. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 May 2025

In a special look behind the scenes, Variety has exclusively obtained the hour-long final table read for the irreverent Netflix show created by Andrew Goldberg, Nick Kroll, Mark Levin, and Jennifer Flackett. —Katcy Stephan, Variety, 29 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