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 brunch features favorites like brick-oven pan pizzas, housemade pastas, brunch specialties such as Mia’s signature Meatball Benedict and indulgent desserts. —Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026

Beauty and Wellness Craft an indulgent morning ritual around this incense set. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 26 Mar. 2026

Fenty Beauty’s recent debut introduces a body milk available in two distinct scents—a bright, fruity bergamot and a more indulgent gourmand vanilla—while Dove offers an accessible, reliable option in the drugstore sphere. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2026

From a souvenir ferry boat filled with fish and chips to ice cream in the shape of a chicken drumstick, here's a first look at the bold, indulgent and unexpected food lineup across the MLB. —Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 23 Mar. 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