Definition of irreverencenext
as in blasphemy
an act of great disrespect shown to God or to sacred ideas, people, or things the sect has no tolerance for any irreverence directed toward their spiritual leader

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of irreverence The incremental shifts in lengths lend well to the season’s irreverence, all while priming you for a fresh new look come autumn. Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 27 May 2026 The obvious joy, curiosity, irreverence, and rollicking humor Holland and Sandbrook display while spelunking into the past brings electricity and life to events both near and long distant. Sean Woods, Rolling Stone, 25 May 2026 The scrappy downtown energy is still very much intact — with Mindelle and cast retelling this iconic story with innovation and irreverence. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026 The dining rooms lean hard into an ’80s-meets-diner aesthetic with neon accents, colorful murals, throwback playlists and a playful irreverence that matches its menu. Usa Today Network, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for irreverence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irreverence
Noun
  • This was a weak case for blasphemy.
    Bozorgmehr Sharafedin, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026
  • The president later removed the post in the face of outrage and accusations of blasphemy.
    Laura Kelly, The Hill, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • But by then, religious and political leaders from around the world condemned the image, some calling it a sacrilege.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
  • That might sound like sacrilege, because the NFL is beyond criticism for many sports fans, but the draft is the ideal example of what the league has become and the importance of gambling to modern audiences.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Here are the inspection scores and violations for restaurants within the city limits of Plano for May 31st - June 6th, 2026.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2026
  • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the American attacks as a violation of Iranian sovereignty.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • However, the Supreme Court in several cases has struck down any improper use or desecration of the flag on the grounds of free speech, according to the Library of Congress’ most frequently asked questions about flag law.
    Darleene Powells, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026
  • He was charged in Linn County, Kansas with interference with law enforcement, criminal desecration and having a vicious dog at large.
    Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Even aside from Trump’s own enthusiastic personal immorality and impiety, his political style — the pugnacious smear artist and demagogic braggart — was the antithesis of what evangelicals had sought before.
    Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 23 Sep. 2025
  • By one hand, he is bound to himself, to his impiety, his recklessness, his envy and pride, his guilt and spite.
    Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • In about seven minutes, with pushing, shoving, and cursing, the agents cleared a path for the van.
    Ian Frazier, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
  • People would literally be in the drive-thru cursing at me.
    Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • The polarizing organization trudged through a corruption trial and attempted to file for bankruptcy in the past decade.
    Stephen Gutowski, Washington Post, 16 June 2026
  • But there is a growing protest movement against the project, which is on public land and many Albanians view it as government corruption.
    Greg Dixon, NPR, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • Former Chair Jerome Powell for months was hit with insults when the Fed either didn't lower rates, or didn't lower them enough.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 17 June 2026
  • Turns out, this is a term of endearment, not an insult.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 17 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Irreverence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irreverence. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

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