irreverent
adjective
ir·rev·er·ent i-ˈre-v(ə-)rənt 
ˌi(r)-,
-ˈre-vərnt
: lacking proper respect or seriousness
also : satiric
irreverently adverb
Synonyms
- blasphemous
- impious
- profane
- sacrilegious
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
He has a delightfully irreverent sense of humor. irreverent behavior during church services
Recent Examples on the Web Even the least attractive work is appealingly irreverent. 
Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 30 June 2022 What follows is a lot of Supernatural-esque baddie-fighting, spiffy superpowers, and flashy outfits, but the delightful cast rescues this otherwise irreverent show from alienating its audience. Lauren Puckett-pope, ELLE, 8 June 2022 The 94th Academy Awards on Sunday had a freewheeling, irreverent tone from their start, with ABC and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences laboring to prove that the Oscars could be lively and culturally relevant. New York Times, 28 Mar. 2022 The ‘80s and ‘90s: SNEWS grows in reach and renown, thanks to its signature combination of reporting, opinion, and irreverent tone. Outside Online, 2 Mar. 2021 The Bob’s Burgers Movie effectively recreates the show’s winning combination of irreverent humor and heartwarming family dynamics, not to mention the occasional musical number to sweeten the pot. Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 May 2022 Dry, irreverent Rhys is an author whose memoir garnered him acclaim and pressure to launch a political career. Selome Hailu, Variety, 1 Apr. 2022 The first of those three Sunday performances came from Louisville, Kentucky’s White Reaper, who combine Camaro-rock histrionics, sugary power-pop melodies and the irreverent humor of DIY punk. Bryan Rolli, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2021 Maybe’ The current housing crisis in our fair city is examined in this irreverent, immersive and multimedia-enhanced performance starring singer-actor Karla Mosley and created by artist-activist duo Mark-n-Sparks. Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2022 See More
Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 30 June 2022 What follows is a lot of Supernatural-esque baddie-fighting, spiffy superpowers, and flashy outfits, but the delightful cast rescues this otherwise irreverent show from alienating its audience. Lauren Puckett-pope, ELLE, 8 June 2022 The 94th Academy Awards on Sunday had a freewheeling, irreverent tone from their start, with ABC and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences laboring to prove that the Oscars could be lively and culturally relevant. New York Times, 28 Mar. 2022 The ‘80s and ‘90s: SNEWS grows in reach and renown, thanks to its signature combination of reporting, opinion, and irreverent tone. Outside Online, 2 Mar. 2021 The Bob’s Burgers Movie effectively recreates the show’s winning combination of irreverent humor and heartwarming family dynamics, not to mention the occasional musical number to sweeten the pot. Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 May 2022 Dry, irreverent Rhys is an author whose memoir garnered him acclaim and pressure to launch a political career. Selome Hailu, Variety, 1 Apr. 2022 The first of those three Sunday performances came from Louisville, Kentucky’s White Reaper, who combine Camaro-rock histrionics, sugary power-pop melodies and the irreverent humor of DIY punk. Bryan Rolli, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2021 Maybe’ The current housing crisis in our fair city is examined in this irreverent, immersive and multimedia-enhanced performance starring singer-actor Karla Mosley and created by artist-activist duo Mark-n-Sparks. Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Latin irreverent-, irreverens, from in- + reverent-, reverens reverent
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
irreverent
adjective
ir·rev·er·ent i-ˈre-və-rənt
: not respectful
"It seems irreverent, like running in a church." Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea
Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Avonleairreverent
adjective
as in sacrilegious
not showing proper reverence for the holy or sacred irreverent behavior during church services Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- sacrilegious
- blasphemous
- atheistic
- secular
- atheistical
- profane
- impious
- pagan
- irreligious
- heretical
- heretic
- agnostic
- godless
- unholy
- ungodly
- miscreant
- nonreligious
- religionless
- heathen
- unconsecrated
- unhallowed
- paganish
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- reverent
- pious
- religious
- holy
- worshipful
- devout
- prayerful
- godly
- saintly
- sainted
- sacred
- worshipping
- worshiping
- sacrosanct
- sanctified
- God-fearing
- consecrated
- hallowed