irreverent

adjective

ir·​rev·​er·​ent i-ˈre-v(ə-)rənt How to pronounce irreverent (audio)
ˌi(r)-, 
-ˈre-vərnt
Synonyms of irreverent
: lacking proper respect or seriousness
also : satiric
irreverently adverb

Synonyms of 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
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.
Shamaly has light brown skin, an irreverent sense of humor, and a loner’s mien. — Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026 That’s probably what makes the films a little more irreverent than some of the competition. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 20 June 2026 The movie had an irreverent spark that felt refreshing, fueling its buoyancy and pumping blood to its ample heart. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 2026 His passion and pride in the work, down to earth and sometimes irreverent style, and the reverence for small business owners and hard working people only enriched our lives and well as many others as well. — Matt Schooley, CBS News, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for irreverent

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for irreverent

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Browse Nearby Words

irreverend
irreverent
irreverential
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Cite this Entry

“Irreverent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irreverent. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

irreverent

adjective
ir·​rev·​er·​ent (ˈ)ir-ˈ(r)ev-(ə-)rənt How to pronounce irreverent (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on irreverent

Nglish: Translation of irreverent for Spanish Speakers

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