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

Real Floridians share their firsthand accounts of viral incidents, which are then recreated with irreverent humor. —Kennedy French, Variety, 30 Jan. 2026

Along the way, Collins covers topics like taxes, healthcare, and bonds in plain English and a sharp, witty voice — reading the book feels like getting advice from a wise, slightly irreverent uncle on the front porch. —Jasna Hodžić, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026

Chas Newkey-Burden has been part of The Week Digital team for more than a decade and a journalist for 25 years, starting out on the irreverent football weekly 90 Minutes, before moving to lifestyle magazines Loaded and Attitude. —Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 29 Jan. 2026

Its demonstrations are orderly, peaceful, good-tempered, and irreverent, featuring countless American flags. —George Packer, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 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