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 of indulgence

• kindness
• privilege
• service
• grace
• courtesy
• mercy
• blessing
• benevolence

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

Certainly, costs have risen, but those sorts of checks have made a hurried meal feel like an expensive indulgence and really not that different, cost-wise, from a full-service experience. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026

The most common indulgence by far was alcohol, but many flyers also turn to marijuana edibles and non-prescribed medication to deal with flight jitters. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 6 May 2026

The real shock comes with the prices — not just the cost of an afternoon of shopping indulgences, but of housing, too. —Pau Mosquera, CNN Money, 6 May 2026

Menus are crafted by nutritionists and aligned with each guest’s program — seasonal, often organic and gourmet, designed for nourishment rather than indulgence alone. —Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Phrases Containing indulgence

• plenary indulgence
• self-indulgence

Rhymes for indulgence

• overindulgence

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