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

Between the rooftop helipad, nine restaurants and bars, 20,000-square-foot spa, and even an on-site Rolls‑Royce showroom, this is a hotel where indulgence isn’t optional. —Carrie Honaker, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026

In general, Bengalis love a meaty indulgence, so treats like fish chops or luchi with chicken curry may also make an appearance. —Madhushree Basu Roy, Saveur, 30 Apr. 2026

Below, Culpo shares her must-pack comforts, her Type A travel tendencies, and why a good piece of luggage is the ultimate indulgence. —Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2026

For the ultimate indulgence, reserve a spot at Winds Cafe. —Sarah Miller, Midwest Living, 29 Apr. 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