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Synonyms

irreverent

American  
[ih-rev-er-uhnt] / ɪˈrɛv ər ənt /

adjective

  1. not reverent; manifesting or characterized by irreverence; deficient in veneration or respect.

    an irreverent reply.

    Synonyms:
    profane, impious, irreligious

Other Word Forms

  • irreverently adverb

Etymology

Origin of irreverent

1485–95; < Latin irreverent- (stem of irreverēns ) disrespectful. See ir- 2, reverent

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He joined BBC Radio 1 in 1998 as the host of the early breakfast show and went on to become a household name presenting his irreverent afternoon show.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

The irreverent news website had seemingly cracked the code for social-media virality, and would soon become one of the first digital-media startups to achieve unicorn status with a valuation of over $1 billion.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 13, 2026

Setting out to make a film about the Civil War general burning his way through the South, he ended up with an irreverent, semi-solipsistic travelogue organized around the women he encountered along the way.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

Why this story stuck with me: This story captured a sliver of the irreverent joy that Bill Walton brought to everyone he touched, including me.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2025

The vainest, most slap-happy and irreverent of men, in the presence of redwoods, goes under a spell of wonder and respect.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck