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.
Once again, the past intrudes, loyalty is divided, and irreverent one-liners are delivered. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026 The music of the 1990s was a golden age of raucous, irreverent sound, and it was filled with heartache and tragedy. — Gene Park, Washington Post, 1 Sep. 2026 In keeping with the irreverent spirit of the Ig Nobel Prizes, the physical awards themselves are anything but conventional. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026 That sensibility could be playful, irreverent and suspicious of authority. — Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 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 5 Sep. 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
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