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

Synonyms of indulgent

• easy
• soft
• charitable

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

From a souvenir ferry boat filled with fish and chips to ice cream in the shape of a chicken drumstick, here's a first look at the bold, indulgent and unexpected food lineup across the MLB. —Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026

But Fieri, a passionate car collector, was cooking up something even more indulgent with the help of his friend Rory at VP Speed Shop. —Terry Baddoo, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026

In that context, historic preservation can be dismissed as sentimental, optional or even indulgent. —Jennifer N. Pritzker, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026

Celebrate the flavors of Spain this Easter season at Macarena in Palo Alto, with special paellas all week leading up to Easter, including the indulgent bone marrow and steak tartare paella. —Laura Ness, Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin indulgent-, indulgens, present participle of indulgēre

First Known Use

1509, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

indulgent

adjective

in·​dul·​gent in-ˈdəl-jənt 

: indulging or showing indulgence : lenient

an indulgent parent

indulgently adverb