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

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

Italian denim brand Diesel has been a fixture on the scene since the 1970s, celebrated for its edgy and irreverent styles that defined Italian streetwear. —Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025

For his directorial debut, Early has created an irreverent comedy specific to his sensibilities. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2025

As has become tradition at the irreverent event, the in-person audience honors the winners by making and throwing paper airplanes. —Jack Guy, CNN Money, 18 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