as in blasphemy
an act of great disrespect shown to God or to sacred ideas, people, or things
the sect has no tolerance for any irreverence directed toward their spiritual leader
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of irreverence
What differed this time around was how Rousteing’s take on showiness relied strongly on organic form, animal print, and fetishism than its usual out-there irreverence.
—
Julian Randall, Essence, 6 Mar. 2025
More than any one sketch in the early days, what distinguished the show was its irreverence towards itself and its willingness to release scrappy and unfinished work when everything else on TV was so polished.
—Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2025
The interplay between elegance and irreverence, refinement and boldness, comes to life in pieces that embody a conscious femininity.
—Felicity Carter, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
These fresh takes on the traditional Japanese drinking tavern still specialize in small, shareable dishes, but do so with a notable irreverence.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for irreverence
Julian Randall, Essence, 6 Mar. 2025
More than any one sketch in the early days, what distinguished the show was its irreverence towards itself and its willingness to release scrappy and unfinished work when everything else on TV was so polished.
—Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2025
The interplay between elegance and irreverence, refinement and boldness, comes to life in pieces that embody a conscious femininity.
—Felicity Carter, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
These fresh takes on the traditional Japanese drinking tavern still specialize in small, shareable dishes, but do so with a notable irreverence.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for irreverence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irreverence
Noun
-
Arguments and accusations of blasphemy regarding teaching yoga sutras rather than Bible scripture are rife within the Black yoga community.—
Tamika Caston-Miller,
Outside Online,
26 Feb. 2025
-
Throughout its engagement with the OIC, the special envoy has prioritized the protection of human rights, routinely championing the equal rights of religious minorities and opposing laws that criminalize blasphemy and apostasy.—
Arsalan Suleman,
Foreign Affairs,
24 Aug. 2017
Noun
-
Such a transformation would represent an irrevocable loss: a profound sacrilege not only to the city’s rich history but also to the cultural legacy for the future generations.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
23 Feb. 2025
-
For many liberals and radicals, beginning with Lord Byron, Elgin was a vandal who had committed sacrilege.—
Ralph Leonard,
The Atlantic,
4 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
That came after Twins pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson was given a pitch-clock violation that led to a walk for the Royals’ Jonathan India.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2025
-
For example, in February, a coalition of 14 state attorneys general filed a lawsuit questioning DOGE's authority to restructure or dissolve federal agencies without congressional approval, alleging violations of the Appointments Clause.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Simply put, their acts are a desecration of the pursuit of knowledge.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
18 Mar. 2025
-
To Michael Hirsch, the desecration of hundreds of graves was a shanda, a shame, a ghoulish crime.—
Maria Cramer,
New York Times,
16 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
By one hand, he is bound to himself, to his impiety, his recklessness, his envy and pride, his guilt and spite.—
Merve Emre,
The New Yorker,
16 Dec. 2024
-
Clouzot supplied that insight in strong visual terms: Fresnay’s conflicting impiety and righteous anger and so much dissatisfaction and panic among the townsfolk.—
Armond White,
National Review,
20 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
White seems to like bringing back the one generally decent woman, for purposes of corruption.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Apr. 2025
-
When their late boss, Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano), is reported to have engaged in corruption tied to drug cartels, Mike and Marcus vow to clear his name.—
Tommy McArdle,
People.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In a workplace that’s increasingly remote, fast-paced, independent and ever-changing, these aren’t insults.—
Nirit Cohen,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Recent White House comments and insults directed at NATO allies – as well as the military alliance itself – have raised alarm and confusion.—
Bradford Betz,
FOXNews.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
No tear-floods, nor sigh-tempests move; ’Twere profanation of our joys To tell the laity our love.—
John Edgar Wideman,
The New Yorker,
8 July 2021
-
The first assault is on the Nile itself, which is turned to blood, thereby ruining both agriculture and aquaculture in one swoop, a profanation with religious consequences.—
Kevin D. Williamson,
National Review,
28 Nov. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Irreverence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irreverence. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share