1
sometimes disapproving
: willing to allow someone to have or enjoy something even though it may not be proper, healthy, appropriate, etc.
These children are being spoiled by (overly) indulgent parents.
He gave the child an indulgent smile.
2
: done or enjoyed as a special pleasure
an indulgent dessert
Cite this Entry
“Indulgent.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/indulgent. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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