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

• charitable
• clement
• easy
• soft

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

To create the ideal formula and put it into this indulgent form, Lemme Play was in development for more than two years. —Emily Burns, Footwear News, 9 May 2025

Tatiana’s are downright indulgent, served sitting in a thick, sticky-sweet reduction that sent warmth radiating from my belly to my bones. —New York Times, 7 May 2025

Follow Hochman for continued coverage on what's delicious, refreshing, inspiring, indulgent and entertaining in California and way beyond. —David Hochman, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Get The Recipe Cinnamon Roll Casserole This sweet breakfast casserole is every bit as indulgent as the cinnamon rolls Grandma would make from scratch—only easier. —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 2 May 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