indulgent

adjective

in·​dul·​gent in-ˈdəl-jənt How to pronounce indulgent (audio)
Synonyms of indulgentnext
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
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.
In other words, Greg had thought insomnia a problem of the rich, the weak, the useless, the indulgent, the lazy. Weike Wang, New Yorker, 17 May 2026 Rutabaga makes this ultra-rich dish a little less indulgent. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 17 May 2026 Balance out from all the casino hype with an indulgent treatment or power nap in the salt cave. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026 Book into Spa La Mer, which offers indulgent treatments like lifting facials and revitalising massages, by appointment only. Ellie Seymour, TheWeek, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for indulgent

Word History

Etymology

Latin indulgent-, indulgens, present participle of indulgēre

First Known Use

1509, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of indulgent was in 1509

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Cite this Entry

“Indulgent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indulgent. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

indulgent

adjective
in·​dul·​gent in-ˈdəl-jənt How to pronounce indulgent (audio)
: indulging or showing indulgence : lenient
an indulgent parent
indulgently adverb

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