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irreverent

adjective
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ir·​rev·​er·​ent | \ i-ˈrev-rənt How to pronounce irreverent (audio) , ˌi(r)-, -ˈre-və-; -ˈre-vərnt \

Definition of irreverent

: lacking proper respect or seriousness also : satiric
Other Words from irreverent Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about irreverent

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Other Words from irreverent

irreverently adverb

Synonyms & Antonyms for irreverent

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Examples of irreverent in a Sentence

He has a delightfully irreverent sense of humor. irreverent behavior during church services
Recent Examples on the Web That means loads of social media and trying to be a little irreverent in what’s been a stodgy industry. — Bailey Lipschultz, Bloomberg.com, "Straight Teeth Without Office Visits Boosts Startup 1,000%," 26 May 2020 That means loads of social media and trying to be a little irreverent in what’s been a stodgy industry. — Bailey Lipschultz, BostonGlobe.com, "Straighten your teeth without office visits? Startup says yes, and sales surge," 24 May 2020 Dispatch: After being sacked, conquered and abandoned, Rome has forged an irreverent, if somewhat cynical, character. — Isabella Kwai, New York Times, "Italy begins chaotic reopening," 4 May 2020 The chaotic, irreverent, and strangely addicting Super Smash Bros. throws iconic video game characters into living arenas full of traps, tricks, and perils. — Popular Science, "Five must-have games for Nintendo Switch," 13 Apr. 2020 This irreverent comedy is considered a classic by fans of the British comedy troupe but might not be for everyone. — Weldon B. Johnson, azcentral, "Here are a dozen Easter movies to watch while staying home with your family," 9 Apr. 2020 The Other Guys Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg topline this irreverent action-comedy, still writer-director Adam McKay's best film. — Isaac Feldberg, Fortune, "What to watch on Netflix while social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic," 20 Mar. 2020 The irreverent comedy grossed an estimated $1.4 million from 1,160 cinemas for a domestic total of $25.9 million. — Pamela Mcclintock, The Hollywood Reporter, "Box Office: 'Bad Boys for Life' Stays No. 1 With Big $34M, '1917' Marches to $16M," 26 Jan. 2020 Losing Ground is delightfully irreverent, saturated with bright colors, vibrant interiors, and lush greenery. — Yasmina Price, The New York Review of Books, "Kathleen Collins’s Ecstatic Self-Discovery," 29 Feb. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'irreverent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of irreverent

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for irreverent

Middle English, from Latin irreverent-, irreverens, from in- + reverent-, reverens reverent

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Time Traveler for irreverent

Time Traveler

The first known use of irreverent was in the 15th century

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Statistics for irreverent

Last Updated

7 Jun 2020

Cite this Entry

“Irreverent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irreverent. Accessed 5 Jul. 2020.

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More Definitions for irreverent

irreverent

adjective
How to pronounce irreverent (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of irreverent

: having or showing a lack of respect for someone or something that is usually treated with respect : treating someone or something in a way that is not serious or respectful

See the full definition for irreverent in the English Language Learners Dictionary

irreverent

adjective
ir·​rev·​er·​ent | \ i-ˈre-və-rənt How to pronounce irreverent (audio) \

Kids Definition of irreverent

: not respectful “It seems irreverent, like running in a church.”— Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea

Other Words from irreverent

irreverently adverb

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Spanish Central: Translation of irreverent

Nglish: Translation of irreverent for Spanish Speakers

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