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

In the sections of the book in which McDougall deals with popular forms like voguing and breaking, his writing becomes more personal, more irreverent. —Marina Harss, New Yorker, 3 June 2026

At the height of Beatlemania, the Fab Four made this irreverent, cinéma vérité musical comedy depicting a few days in the lives of the biggest band in the world. —Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 June 2026

Riley’s irreverent handle on these subjects reminded me of Paul Beatty’s 2015 satire, an all-time fave. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026

This turn was frankly difficult to digest in a show that’s otherwise adopted a stance of irreverent insouciance toward other hot topics. —Alison Herman, Variety, 1 June 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