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
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
But the indulgent Osea Vagus Nerve Bath Oil really does take a load off.
—
Liana Schaffner, Allure, 21 Sep. 2023
Brunch is meant to be a little indulgent, right?
05
Mexican Miga Frittata with Chipotle Guacamole
View Recipe
Chop the pepper, onion, and jalapeño the night before, cover, and refrigerate.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2023
Luxurious yet understated rooms offer indulgent bedding, marble bathrooms, and private porches, all set on a graciously rambling property perched high in the hills above Santa Barbara.
—Hugh Garvey, Sunset Magazine, 5 Sep. 2023
Deer Valley founders Edgar and Polly Stern were skiers, and their vision was to create a luxe resort for skiers, replete with high-end accommodations and indulgent amenities.
—Julie Jag, The Salt Lake Tribune, 1 Sep. 2023
For decades, the sprawling Paradise Point resort on Mission Bay, with its stunning water views and tropical lagoons, has been well known as a go-to destination for vacationing families and locals looking for an indulgent getaway.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2023
The vast majority of items on the menus are included, but each of the restaurants offers one or two indulgent options at an extra cost.
—Josh Rivera, USA TODAY, 7 Sep. 2023
This totally indulgent dish will be a hit on holiday breakfast or for weekend brunch.
07
Joanna Gaines' Chicken Pot Pie
Joanna Gaines has been making this easy recipe since her older kids were toddlers.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2023
Low light at restaurants has been found to make people reach for more indulgent choices, like replacing a side salad with fries or sticking around for dessert.
—Haley Weiss, Time, 8 Aug. 2023
See More
Liana Schaffner, Allure, 21 Sep. 2023
Brunch is meant to be a little indulgent, right?
05
Mexican Miga Frittata with Chipotle Guacamole
View Recipe
Chop the pepper, onion, and jalapeño the night before, cover, and refrigerate.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2023
Luxurious yet understated rooms offer indulgent bedding, marble bathrooms, and private porches, all set on a graciously rambling property perched high in the hills above Santa Barbara.
—Hugh Garvey, Sunset Magazine, 5 Sep. 2023
Deer Valley founders Edgar and Polly Stern were skiers, and their vision was to create a luxe resort for skiers, replete with high-end accommodations and indulgent amenities.
—Julie Jag, The Salt Lake Tribune, 1 Sep. 2023
For decades, the sprawling Paradise Point resort on Mission Bay, with its stunning water views and tropical lagoons, has been well known as a go-to destination for vacationing families and locals looking for an indulgent getaway.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2023
The vast majority of items on the menus are included, but each of the restaurants offers one or two indulgent options at an extra cost.
—Josh Rivera, USA TODAY, 7 Sep. 2023
This totally indulgent dish will be a hit on holiday breakfast or for weekend brunch.
07
Joanna Gaines' Chicken Pot Pie
Joanna Gaines has been making this easy recipe since her older kids were toddlers.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2023
Low light at restaurants has been found to make people reach for more indulgent choices, like replacing a side salad with fries or sticking around for dessert.
—Haley Weiss, Time, 8 Aug. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'indulgent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Latin indulgent-, indulgens, present participle of indulgēre
First Known Use
1509, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near indulgent
Cite this Entry
“Indulgent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indulgent. Accessed 3 Oct. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
indulgent
adjective
in·dul·gent
in-ˈdəl-jənt
: indulging or showing indulgence : lenient
an indulgent parent
indulgently
adverb
More from Merriam-Webster on indulgent
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share