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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.

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

The campaign uses a more irreverent tone than most pharmaceutical ads to catch consumers’ attention, Cinca said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026

A collection of peculiar characters, including Bodoque’s best friend Tulio Triviño, a monkey who serves as news anchor of the satirical 31 Minutos newscast at the center of this show, populate this irreverent universe.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2025

And gone was the owner of the irreverent nickname "Fatty Lai": he had lost considerable weight.

From BBC • Dec. 20, 2025

In the woods, they built hideouts and sang forbidden songs, making up irreverent lyrics for the Hitler Youth songs.

From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti