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

• atheistical
• atheistic
• secular
• blasphemous
• sacrilegious
• impious

Examples of irreverent in a Sentence

He has a delightfully irreverent sense of humor.

irreverent behavior during church services

Recent Examples on the Web

With his irreverent attitude, Girbaud reinterpreted them by putting contrasting stitches on a back pocket and adding a metal piercing embellishment in the three dots that make for the lowkey logo marking Létrange’s offerings. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025

For an extra-inventive twist, Brazilian designer Lucas Simões recently unveiled the Colendra chair, a wild, sculptural example of metalworking that combines an irreverent sensibility with practiced craft. —Rachel Gallaher, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2025

Why not try something fun, unexpected and irreverent instead? —Malaka Gharib, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025

But as in most of his roles since The Departed and The Fighter, Wahlberg shows little charisma, particularly when he’s flanked by an actor with the irreverent verve of LaKeith Stanfield, who steals every scene without even breaking a sweat. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 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