IRREVERENT Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

irreverent

adjective

i-ˈre-v(ə-)rənt

Definition of irreverent

as in atheistic

not showing proper reverence for the holy or sacred irreverent behavior during church services

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 irreverent 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 Zachary Wigon directs, and Maika Monroe stars as Winifred Notty, a governess who tries and fails not to be a complete, well, psycho in this irreverent, gory horror. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 14 Sep. 2026 The irreverent plot challenged traditional storytelling structures, and its irreverent heroine spent 104 minutes flipping her middle finger at the status quo. — Sara Netzley, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for irreverent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for irreverent

Adjective

His father's death during World War II influenced his pursuit of the ministry even amid the officially atheistic communist regime of the Soviet Union, according to his obituary on the OCU website.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026
But there has been a recent rise in secular congregations that explicitly mimic religious organizations and rituals to celebrate atheistic worldviews.

— Jacqui Frost, The Conversation, 11 Jan. 2024

Definition of atheistic

Adjective

France, a secular nation where the separation of church and state is enshrined in a 1905 law, has witnessed a steady decline in affiliation to the Catholic Church during the post-war era.

— Joshua McElwee, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
But statistics and experts caution that the uptick, which has also been recorded in secular Spain, doesn’t counteract the overall downward trend.

— Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of secular

Adjective

The publication led to global outrage, with many Muslims finding the depictions highly offensive and blasphemous.

— USA Today, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026
The image of him, his attire a blasphemous betrayal of the wholesome fun a clown costume promises, and with vibrant, colorful balloons in his hand, lingers in our minds for a long time.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of blasphemous

Adjective

The tweak The Improper Pig made to a coveted Southern brunch dish might be considered sacrilegious in some kitchens, but the result is a delicious argument for bending tradition.

— Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026
As sacrilegious as this might sound to devout Bears fans, Johnson was equipped inside Halas Hall this offseason with Green Bay Packers highlights as a teach tape.

— Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of sacrilegious

Adjective

Many other traditionalists have made a version of Scruton’s critique, insisting that contemporary art reflects self-indulgent, relativistic, and impious tendencies.

— Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
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

Definition of impious

Adjective

Created under O’Hare’s leadership, the decorum policy prohibits personal attacks, impertinent, profane, obscene, or slanderous remarks as well as threatening, disruptive or unruly behavior.

— Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026
Investigators accuse her making physical contact with the bus driver while forcing her way into the passenger area as well as using profane language during the situation.

— Dan Raby, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of profane

Adjective

The expert was expected to say the positioning of the bodies, the branches on the remains, the outdoor location of the crime and knife wounds to the victims all were indications of pagan rituals.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026
Defense attorneys planned to present a theory that the two girls were killed in a pagan ritual by Odinists.

— Jenny Porter Tilley, IndyStar, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of pagan

Browse Nearby Words

irreverences

irreverent

irreversible

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Style

“Irreverent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irreverent. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of irreverent

adjective

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