indulgence
noun
in·dul·gence
in-ˈdəl-jən(t)s 
1
a
: the act of indulging in something
especially
: self-indulgence
b
: something indulged in
walk off gastronomic indulgences—
Barbara L. Michaels
Barbara L. Michaels2
a
: an indulgent act
b
: an extension of time for payment or performance granted as a favor
4
: remission of part or all of the temporal and especially purgatorial punishment that according to Roman Catholicism is due for sins whose eternal punishment has been remitted and whose guilt has been pardoned (as through the sacrament of reconciliation)
Examples of indulgence in a Sentence
She lived a life of selfish indulgence.
his indulgence in forbidden pleasures
She found that she couldn't afford the indulgences she had once enjoyed.
For our anniversary we allowed ourselves the indulgence of an elegant dinner at our favorite restaurant.
Good food is my only indulgence.
Recent Examples on the Web
This after-dark twist on a beloved tradition blends the best of Dubai’s nightlife with the indulgence of an early-afternoon meal, creating a social and sophisticated experience.
—Natasha Amar, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Wilson, 45, explained that the challenge involves giving up 1 to 3 indulgences and replacing them with habits that benefit your physical or mental health.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Only the pope can offer this blessing which includes the offer of an indulgence, a remission for the effect of sins.
—Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2025
Here's a secret: Using one of the best luxury laundry detergents is a low-effort, high-reward indulgence that makes your whole life (and laundry room) feel a little more like a Pinterest board.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indulgence
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Natasha Amar, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Wilson, 45, explained that the challenge involves giving up 1 to 3 indulgences and replacing them with habits that benefit your physical or mental health.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Only the pope can offer this blessing which includes the offer of an indulgence, a remission for the effect of sins.
—Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2025
Here's a secret: Using one of the best luxury laundry detergents is a low-effort, high-reward indulgence that makes your whole life (and laundry room) feel a little more like a Pinterest board.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indulgence
Cite this Entry
“Indulgence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indulgence. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
indulgence
noun
in·dul·gence
in-ˈdəl-jən(t)s
1
: the act of indulging : the state of being indulgent
2
: an indulgent act
3
: something indulged in
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