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

Stay at any of the three resort properties at Baha Mar or opt for a room at Atlantis, the ultimate in Bahamian indulgence—The Cove has an adults-only pool and a more upscale vibe. —Skye Sherman, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026

Here, the relaxation of the mind is just as much of a priority as the joy of indulgence, and spaces are tailored to ensure each has their moment to flourish. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 June 2026

The Idol was unafraid of musical interludes or Tesfaye’s bizarre indulgences. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 2 June 2026

Consumers have been using Prime Day and other discount events to stock up on utility items over indulgences. —Annie Palmer, CNBC, 2 June 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