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

2

a

: an indulgent act

b

: an extension of time for payment or performance granted as a favor

3

: the act of indulging : the state of being indulgent

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

• benevolence
• boon
• courtesy
• favor
• grace
• kindness
• mercy
• service
• turn

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

Over time, the concept of self-care has undergone a profound metamorphosis—a journey from superficial indulgence to necessary mind and spirit nourishment. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 11 May 2024

Actually gifted to myself for a pandemic birthday, a classic Sleeper set in high-shine satin, the color an indulgence in itself: cream, as in farm-fresh and organic. —Mariam Rahmani, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Phrases Containing indulgence

• plenary indulgence
• self-indulgence

Kids 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