indulgent

adjective

in·​dul·​gent in-ˈdəl-jənt 

1

: willing to allow excessive leniency, generosity, or consideration : indulging or characterized by indulgence

indulgent grandparents

2

: done or enjoyed as a special treat or pleasure

indulgent desserts

indulgently adverb

Synonyms of indulgent

• easy
• soft
• charitable

Examples of indulgent in a Sentence

He gave the child an indulgent smile.

she was perhaps a bit too indulgent with her children, who always seemed to get away with everything

Recent Examples on the Web

This sandwich gets into indulgent territory with the lobster taking the rich mac and cheese up a notch. — Justin Brown, AJC.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Take, for example, the most indulgent-feeling blush brush to ever grace your cheeks. — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 17 Sep. 2026

But there’s another 45 supremely indulgent auteur gunk that is snicker-worthy. — Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026

The indulgent formula includes antioxidants and vitamin E to smooth texture, boost radiance, and improve elasticity. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin indulgent-, indulgens, present participle of indulgēre

First Known Use

1509, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

indulgent

adjective

in·​dul·​gent in-ˈdəl-jənt 

: indulging or showing indulgence : lenient

an indulgent parent

indulgently adverb