indulgent

adjective

in·​dul·​gent in-ˈdəl-jənt How to pronounce indulgent (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While a pair of jeans or a warm winter jacket are the more obvious staples (don’t miss the very many Black Friday clothing deals happening), a big jewelry purchase can feel a bit indulgent. Christina Holevas, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024 This indulgent addition to your bathroom routine turns stepping out of the shower into a moment of cozy bliss. Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024 Perhaps the low-fat diet culture of the 80s, and subsequently the 90s low-carb diet boom made the rich, indulgent dessert passé toward the end of the century. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2024 The rooms feel austere and indulgent, while Italian flea market finds rub shoulders with bespoke pieces crafted with an ecclesiastical bent. Paul Jebara, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for indulgent 

Word History

Etymology

Latin indulgent-, indulgens, present participle of indulgēre

First Known Use

1509, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of indulgent was in 1509

Dictionary Entries Near indulgent

Cite this Entry

“Indulgent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indulgent. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

indulgent

adjective
in·​dul·​gent in-ˈdəl-jənt How to pronounce indulgent (audio)
: indulging or showing indulgence : lenient
an indulgent parent
indulgently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on indulgent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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