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

Per the official synopsis, the show features candid accounts from everyday Floridians playfully re-created by a rotating cast of actors and comedians, this irreverent series sheds light on the viral, wacky and weird. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2025

The teaser teases some modern-day cultural commentary, as the apocalypse seems to involve the increasing power of artificial intelligence, as well as an irreverent tone that mixes action with humor. —Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 12 Nov. 2025

With an irreverent impudence, generous sprinkles of slap stick and traditional wrapping, this breezy presentation should tickle the funny bones of grade school kids as well as us older coots who enjoy Tim Allen’s acerbic antics. —Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025

It’s based on a novel that’s a dark fairy tale, kind of surreal, and a character who’s very unapologetic, irreverent. —Rachel Handler, Vulture, 6 Nov. 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