as in atheistic
not showing proper reverence for the holy or sacred
irreverent behavior during church services
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Recent Examples of irreverent
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
Its demonstrations are orderly, peaceful, good-tempered, and irreverent, featuring countless American flags.
—George Packer, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026
The death threats began soon after the publication in 1988 of his fourth novel, The Satanic Verses, when the Ayatollah Khomeini, supreme leader of Iran, issued a fatwa calling for Rushdie’s death over what some viewed as the book’s irreverent depiction of Muhammad.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for irreverent
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
Its demonstrations are orderly, peaceful, good-tempered, and irreverent, featuring countless American flags.
—George Packer, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026
The death threats began soon after the publication in 1988 of his fourth novel, The Satanic Verses, when the Ayatollah Khomeini, supreme leader of Iran, issued a fatwa calling for Rushdie’s death over what some viewed as the book’s irreverent depiction of Muhammad.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for irreverent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irreverent
Adjective
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Rabbi Andrew Schultz, executive director of the Community Alliance for Jewish Affiliated Cemeteries, said this option does not align with Jewish burial traditions, though many secular Jews inquire about alternate practices.—
Hannah Kliger,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
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Judging by her writings, Raha belonged to a milieu in Tehran where the arts are a secular religion.—
Arash Azizi,
The Atlantic,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Ja Morant Let’s get blasphemous.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
2 Feb. 2026
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The Satanic Verses stirred controversy after some considered its portrayal of the Prophet Muhammed blasphemous.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
19 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Not playing Notre Dame anymore is sacrilegious.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Jan. 2026
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That some do not agree with our message does not render our display sacrilegious or is the cause of any 'scandal' to the faithful.—
David Chiu,
PEOPLE,
16 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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While no formal announcement has been made to update its longstanding alcohol ban, Andrew Leber of Tulane University said this is in line with the Kingdom’s past approach to such potentially impious reforms.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Dec. 2025
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The only true dictionary is the lost one, the dictionary of the language that perished when the impious tower was built: the original language, God’s language.—
Mariana Dimópulos,
Harpers Magazine,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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According to online video, fans were heard yelling a profane phrase directed at Mormons as the teams were leaving the court.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
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According to online video, fans could be heard yelling a profane phrase directed at Mormons as the teams were leaving the court.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Groundhog Day is its pagan echo — a reading of light and shadow, an old way of guessing at spring.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
3 Feb. 2026
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Over the course of that months-long reporting, a picture has emerged of the radical characters involved with the property, including a notorious neo-Nazi family and a pagan mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
15 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Irreverent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irreverent. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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