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 ankle-skimming cut is inherently petite-friendly, and the forgiving elastic waistband handles long-haul flights and indulgent vacation meals with ease. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2026

For the ones still trying to nail down their signature scent, a candle set that runs the entire olfactory gamut is equal parts indulgent and educational. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 11 Aug. 2026

The end result is tender, caramelized, gravy-rich USDA choice beef that feels much more indulgent than its price tag. — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 10 Aug. 2026

Lucretia was obviously given her name on purpose, but to get into the obvious de Medici theme would feel over-indulgent to this writer, my Lovely Readers. — Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 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