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

Susan sounded irreverent, not official. —NPR, 18 Oct. 2025

Season 27 of the beloved series is a ratings bonanza for Comedy Central, as well as a creative triumph for its showrunners, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and a delight for fans of irreverent topical satire. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025

And yet, the film’s irreverent tone feels largely in keeping with the author’s own politeness-be-damned approach to children’s entertainment. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025

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

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