as in luxurious
given to or marked by excessive gratification of one's desires
a reality show about self-indulgent twentysomethings whose sole concerns seem to be getting down and getting drunk
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Recent Examples of self-indulgent
And at what point does self-promotion become self-indulgent?
—
Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 8 May 2026
Many other traditionalists have made a version of Scruton’s critique, insisting that contemporary art reflects self-indulgent, relativistic, and impious tendencies.
—Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
At this point, Iran is looking less like a rival to the average Westerner, and more like an ally of the America First anti-globalist movement, successfully dismantling the illusion that exorbitant and self-indulgent Western foreign policy serves anything more than outdated narratives.
—Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026
Not Trump, of all presidents, an amoral self-indulgent grifter by trade and liar by practice.
—Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026
On first listen, these first 45 seconds sound like self-indulgent throat clearing.
—Jackson Howard, Pitchfork, 29 Mar. 2026
In the face of such grave concerns, Alyoshka’s torments seem self-indulgent and frustrating, but his problem—whether to leave or stay—is far from insignificant.
—Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
And to go there with a critical eye and not to be self-indulgent.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 17 Mar. 2026
All of this self-indulgent whining, by the way, is going on while Pippa is supposed to be supporting Bree at her photography exhibit.
—Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2026
Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 8 May 2026
Many other traditionalists have made a version of Scruton’s critique, insisting that contemporary art reflects self-indulgent, relativistic, and impious tendencies.
—Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
At this point, Iran is looking less like a rival to the average Westerner, and more like an ally of the America First anti-globalist movement, successfully dismantling the illusion that exorbitant and self-indulgent Western foreign policy serves anything more than outdated narratives.
—Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026
Not Trump, of all presidents, an amoral self-indulgent grifter by trade and liar by practice.
—Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026
On first listen, these first 45 seconds sound like self-indulgent throat clearing.
—Jackson Howard, Pitchfork, 29 Mar. 2026
In the face of such grave concerns, Alyoshka’s torments seem self-indulgent and frustrating, but his problem—whether to leave or stay—is far from insignificant.
—Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
And to go there with a critical eye and not to be self-indulgent.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 17 Mar. 2026
All of this self-indulgent whining, by the way, is going on while Pippa is supposed to be supporting Bree at her photography exhibit.
—Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-indulgent
Adjective
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Adding insult to injury, Hasna accuses Meriem of using her body to get a cushier, better paying job as maid inside the boss’ luxurious home.—
Jay Weissberg,
Variety,
19 May 2026
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Side, back, and stomach sleepers all praise the pillows’ softness, luxurious feel, breathability, and coolness.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 May 2026
Adjective
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Venus, planet of relationships, dances into Cancer from May 18 until June 13, which will bring a sensual, tender, and compassionate energy to our lives — and can improve connections with family or encourage us to cozy up at home.—
Kyle Thomas,
PEOPLE,
17 May 2026
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Other demos are meant to be more sensual or shocking.—
Victoria M. Walker,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
But back in the 1950s, most Americans thought of Cuba as little more than a hedonistic paradise.—
Mo Rocca,
CBS News,
26 Apr. 2026
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The venue’s original leopard print carpet also remains—a hangover from its disco days and the longstanding witness to some of the city’s most hedonistic moments.—
Lale Arikoglu,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-indulgent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-indulgent. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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