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

As temperatures drop and New York breaks out holiday lights and long winter coats, the Park Hyatt New York is celebrating the season with an offering that feels both indulgent yet surprisingly practical. —John Wogan, Travel + Leisure, 5 Dec. 2025

This decadent cookie takes inspiration from the chunky, indulgent style made famous by New York’s Levain Bakery. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 Dec. 2025

This was an indulgent gift after a busy day romping through the busy streets of London. —Sacbee.com, 3 Dec. 2025

There’s an indulgent satisfaction to these films, most notably on display in this new trailer when Gellar literally stakes Weaving in the heart (or … the shoulder, most likely), that prevents them for tipping into a haughty self-seriousness. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2025

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