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

The Honey Pot’s irreverent marketing spoke to an audience who didn’t see themselves in the legacy brands. —Eric Ryan, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

Hidden behind a rickety bookcase in the hotel’s basement, the club reimagined the golden age of Hollywood with velvet booths and showgirls and white tails – mixed with irreverent contemporary flair like drag numbers, oddball skits and music acts. —Matt Donnelly, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025

Collins is perhaps best known for playing the irreverent Pawnee newscaster Joan Callamezzo on Parks and Recreation, recurring on 20 episodes across six seasons of the mockumentary. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 11 Apr. 2025

Intergalactic bounty hunter Lobo, created by Roger Slifer and Keith Giffen in the 1980s, is a violent and irreverent being from the planet Czarnia, known for his superhuman strength and invulnerability. —Jack Smart, People.com, 10 Mar. 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