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

Music writing was once attuned to a specific, irreverent fan sensibility, but audiences aren’t that walled in anymore. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026

Hals was lively and irreverent; Rembrandt dealt with subjects altogether more weighty. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 18 Sep. 2026

An approach that’s been at the heart of Bobby Prod for more than 15 years, as the studio built its strong identity around irreverent humour, creative freedom and bold storytelling. — Kevin Giraud, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026

Across the runways this New York Fashion Week, designers reimagined spring dressing by shaking up the season’s staples of florals and pastels, opting instead for more modern and irreverent trends. — ABC News, 16 Sep. 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