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

The only thing more indulgent than a few bars of chocolate is one aromatically infused with pure essential oils, like mint leaf, blood orange, and bergamot. —Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Nov. 2025

Paris accused the estate in her petition of making indulgent payments to attorneys and asked the court to reconsider a 2010 order that allowed for such actions. —Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Nov. 2025

At 35 percent off, this indulgent bathroom essential makes a great gift. —Kristine Thomason, Travel + Leisure, 12 Nov. 2025

Our recipe for Million Dollar Deviled Eggs takes a classic recipe and amps it up to be even more creamy, rich, and indulgent—all with a subtle briny crunch to top it off. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 11 Nov. 2025

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