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

Venus graces your sign until April 24, wrapping you in an energy that rewards indulgence, self-appreciation, and sensory pleasure. —Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026

Those little indulgences might be adding up to bigger bills! —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2026

That indulgence can be sweets, alcohol, meat or other foods and drinks. —Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2026

La Bonne Brosse’s best-selling boar bristle brush is an indulgence that turns an otherwise unremarkable hair tool into an extra-special daily treat. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 26 Mar. 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