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

And after a few indulgent vacation meals, the adjustable drawstring waist feels particularly handy. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026

The decadent new dessert features multiple layers of indulgent chocolate, brownie and toffee. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026

Ottilia Heritage shares a name—and most facilities—with its sister hotel, Hotel Ottilia, which occupies the adjoining building, but Heritage raises the bar with luxury extras that make the experience feel all the more indulgent. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 June 2026

Mornings are easy in Walla Walla, with a choice of locavore cafés, an indulgent pancake house, and our polished hotel dining room. — Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 25 June 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