indulgent
adjective
in·dul·gent
in-ˈdəl-jənt 
1
: willing to allow excessive leniency, generosity, or consideration : indulging or characterized by indulgence
indulgent grandparents
2
: done or enjoyed as a special treat or pleasure
indulgent desserts
indulgently
adverb
Examples of indulgent in a Sentence
He gave the child an indulgent smile.
she was perhaps a bit too indulgent with her children, who always seemed to get away with everything
Recent Examples on the Web
The two whip up a lavish dip packed with cheese, greens and pickles, which add tang to cut through the indulgent creaminess.
—
Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Chocolate ganache—made simply with heavy cream and chocolate—creates the indulgent filling of this no-bake pie, showcasing the rich flavor of semisweet chocolate.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026
Order Nanee’s polenta cakes with a hearty sauce that feels indulgent without being heavy; a seasonal gnocchi, currently with acorn squash and local mushrooms; or osso buco, perfect to share.
—Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 6 Feb. 2026
In the spring, the Sonnenalp also makes an ideal basecamp for attending the seminars, grand tastings, and indulgent winemaker dinners of Vail’s beloved food and wine festival, the Taste of Vail.
—Sarah Kuta, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for indulgent
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Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Chocolate ganache—made simply with heavy cream and chocolate—creates the indulgent filling of this no-bake pie, showcasing the rich flavor of semisweet chocolate.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026
Order Nanee’s polenta cakes with a hearty sauce that feels indulgent without being heavy; a seasonal gnocchi, currently with acorn squash and local mushrooms; or osso buco, perfect to share.
—Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 6 Feb. 2026
In the spring, the Sonnenalp also makes an ideal basecamp for attending the seminars, grand tastings, and indulgent winemaker dinners of Vail’s beloved food and wine festival, the Taste of Vail.
—Sarah Kuta, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for indulgent
Cite this Entry
“Indulgent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indulgent. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
indulgent
adjective
in·dul·gent
in-ˈdəl-jənt
: indulging or showing indulgence : lenient
an indulgent parent
indulgently
adverb
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