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.
Above Average is billed as an irreverent look at celebrity culture, corporate power and society’s obsession with being exceptional. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026 Basquiat carries over all five of Leonardo’s heads, along with the drawing’s irreverent edge. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 21 Oct. 2026 This meta-adaptation of the 1953 musical, already an irreverent take on the century’s earlier stage spectacles, was another early hit for the director. — Juan A. Ramírez, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2026 Vintage shearling scraps sourced from Vinted and embroidered squirrel motifs extended the collection’s irreverent approach. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 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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