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
Whether driven by indulgence, health fads or shock value, these six trends reported by Fox News Digital stood out as some of the strangest and most talked-about bites and beverages of the year.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 2 Jan. 2026
The fact is that many Americans see fashion, and even clothing itself, as an inexcusable indulgence.
—Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 2 Jan. 2026
However, in 2026, the goal of wellness as part of a vacation will continue to grow from relaxation and indulgence to total-life transformation, Del Duca believes.
—Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
An alcoholic White Russian is made with almost no effort, yet delivers a vibe of luxury and indulgence.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indulgence
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Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 2 Jan. 2026
The fact is that many Americans see fashion, and even clothing itself, as an inexcusable indulgence.
—Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 2 Jan. 2026
However, in 2026, the goal of wellness as part of a vacation will continue to grow from relaxation and indulgence to total-life transformation, Del Duca believes.
—Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
An alcoholic White Russian is made with almost no effort, yet delivers a vibe of luxury and indulgence.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 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 6 Jan. 2026.
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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