Search Dictionary
Definition of irreverence

irreverence

/ɪˈrɛv.ər.əns/
ir · rev · er · ence
Adverb:irreverently
•
Plural:irreverences
•
Adjective:irreverent
JUMP TO:

irreverence Lexical Profile

irreverence Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A lack of respect or veneration for people, traditions, or things that are generally taken seriously or held sacred.

Example

"The comedian's playful irreverence toward established political conventions earned him a loyal following among younger audiences."

2

An irreverent act, gesture, or remark.

Example

"His speech was filled with witty irreverences that kept the audience laughing throughout the formal banquet."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for irreverence
Antonyms
View all antonyms for irreverence

• Rhymes for irreverence

• Nearby Words

irresponsibly
irresponsively
irretrievably
irreverence
irreverent
irreverently
irreversible

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French irreverence and directly from Latin irreverentia ('disrespect'), formed from the privative prefix in- (assimilated to ir-) and reverentia ('awe, respect').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Irreverence. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/irreverence
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.