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self-indulgence

noun

self-in·​dul·​gence ˌself-in-ˈdəl-jən(t)s How to pronounce self-indulgence (audio)
Synonyms of self-indulgencenext
: excessive or unrestrained gratification of one's own appetites, desires, or whims
self-indulgent adjective
self-indulgently adverb

Examples of self-indulgence in a Sentence

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.
Despite moments of excessive fan service and nostalgic callbacks, the show avoids, in her opinion, self-indulgence and delivers strong performances, particularly from Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas, once a background member of the group, now a commanding lead. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025 From early on, Pym’s romances in real life seemed to follow a pattern: dizzying infatuation then a mystifying fizzle—accompanied by stalking campaigns that combined giddy self-indulgence and exquisite self-torture. Literary Hub, 17 Nov. 2025 Ryan argues that Cooper’s decision to operate the camera himself (with Matthew Libatique serving as DP) leads to some directorial self-indulgence that makes for a frustrating, muddled experience that could’ve used more editorial discipline. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 Oct. 2025 Indulgence can tip over into self-indulgence all too easily; holding back can result in a timidity that makes a song sound at odds with its subject. Maura Johnston, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-indulgence

Word History

First Known Use

1636, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-indulgence was in 1636

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-indulgence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-indulgence. Accessed 7 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

self-indulgence

noun
self-in·​dul·​gence
ˌsel-fin-ˈdəl-jən(t)s
: the quality or state of being self-indulgent

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