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)
Synonyms
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
Is there enough in the chewy strands to captivate and satiate in a way that feels sufficient for a midday indulgence?
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2024
In that context, an indulgence in heterosexual lust, even if in poor taste, is becoming seen as not just benign, but maybe even healthy and noble.
—Ruth Graham, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2024
Daily regimens don't necessarily call for indulgence, and cleansing the skin and body requires a level of dedication.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2024
Ever seductive, the Strip continues to tempt visitors with its unmatched indulgences: Win a fortune on black, fall in love by the fountains of the Bellagio, get married by Elvis—or snag a quickie divorce.
—Chris Carra, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Feb. 2024
Some tolerance and grandmotherly indulgence is called for.
—Amy Dickinson, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024
Bottega Veneta: loved that Blazy moved away from indulgence to displays of craftsmanship bravura and played on the volumes-versus-textures dynamic.
—Nicole Phelps, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2024
For those grinding through 15-hour work days and the inevitable late dinners that come with a side of indulgence, these industry breakthroughs could also benefit your personal health and sustainability, which directly enhances your sweat equity.
—Anna C Mallon, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024
Franchisees Monika and Aaron Leach are operating the second location in North Carolina of the brand known for indulgences that pile toppings high on Mason jars stuffed with ice cream.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2024
Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2024
In that context, an indulgence in heterosexual lust, even if in poor taste, is becoming seen as not just benign, but maybe even healthy and noble.
—Ruth Graham, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2024
Daily regimens don't necessarily call for indulgence, and cleansing the skin and body requires a level of dedication.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2024
Ever seductive, the Strip continues to tempt visitors with its unmatched indulgences: Win a fortune on black, fall in love by the fountains of the Bellagio, get married by Elvis—or snag a quickie divorce.
—Chris Carra, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Feb. 2024
Some tolerance and grandmotherly indulgence is called for.
—Amy Dickinson, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024
Bottega Veneta: loved that Blazy moved away from indulgence to displays of craftsmanship bravura and played on the volumes-versus-textures dynamic.
—Nicole Phelps, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2024
For those grinding through 15-hour work days and the inevitable late dinners that come with a side of indulgence, these industry breakthroughs could also benefit your personal health and sustainability, which directly enhances your sweat equity.
—Anna C Mallon, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024
Franchisees Monika and Aaron Leach are operating the second location in North Carolina of the brand known for indulgences that pile toppings high on Mason jars stuffed with ice cream.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'indulgence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to indulgence
Dictionary Entries Near indulgence
Cite this Entry
“Indulgence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indulgence. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share