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)
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
Griffin highlighted the show’s emotional core, strong performances, and dynamic relationships as its true strengths, suggesting that despite some indulgence in runtime, the Duffer Brothers may be building toward a finale that lives up to the series’ legacy.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025
From spa indulgences to chocolatey treats, so many meaningful surprises await.
—Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
The Bottom Line Hot chocolate’s evolution from pantry staple to artisanal indulgence reflects consumers’ appetite for everyday luxuries that are delicious and meaningful.
—Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 26 Nov. 2025
Private vineyard tours, paired with oysters freshly harvested from the bay, deliver a uniquely Croatian indulgence.
—Lucija Boras, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indulgence
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Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025
From spa indulgences to chocolatey treats, so many meaningful surprises await.
—Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
The Bottom Line Hot chocolate’s evolution from pantry staple to artisanal indulgence reflects consumers’ appetite for everyday luxuries that are delicious and meaningful.
—Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 26 Nov. 2025
Private vineyard tours, paired with oysters freshly harvested from the bay, deliver a uniquely Croatian indulgence.
—Lucija Boras, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indulgence
Cite this Entry
“Indulgence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indulgence. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.
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
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