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
Kellanova has introduced Pop-Tarts Protein, with pastries that deliver 10 grams of protein per serving in classic flavors, aiming to satisfy consumers’ desire for both indulgence and nutrition.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 13 Nov. 2025
Consumption has held steady through price increases, according to the National Coffee Association, because coffee feels like both an essential and a worthwhile indulgence.
—Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 13 Nov. 2025
The holiday season is upon us, which also means that my yearly health spiral will arrive immediately after the festive indulgence.
—PC Magazine, 12 Nov. 2025
Looking past the realm of outerwear to find accessories that are the ultimate fall and winter indulgence, from Gucci’s Horsebit ballet flats, to Saint Laurent’s Jamie bag.
—Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 9 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indulgence
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 13 Nov. 2025
Consumption has held steady through price increases, according to the National Coffee Association, because coffee feels like both an essential and a worthwhile indulgence.
—Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 13 Nov. 2025
The holiday season is upon us, which also means that my yearly health spiral will arrive immediately after the festive indulgence.
—PC Magazine, 12 Nov. 2025
Looking past the realm of outerwear to find accessories that are the ultimate fall and winter indulgence, from Gucci’s Horsebit ballet flats, to Saint Laurent’s Jamie bag.
—Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 9 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 17 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share