indulge

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb indulge contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of indulge are baby, humor, mollycoddle, pamper, and spoil. While all these words mean "to show undue favor to a person's desires and feelings," indulge implies excessive compliance and weakness in gratifying another's or one's own desires.

indulged myself with food at the slightest excuse

Where would baby be a reasonable alternative to indulge?

While in some cases nearly identical to indulge, baby suggests excessive care, attention, or solicitude.

babying students by grading too easily

When could humor be used to replace indulge?

The words humor and indulge can be used in similar contexts, but humor stresses a yielding to a person's moods or whims.

humored him by letting him tell the story

When would mollycoddle be a good substitute for indulge?

While the synonyms mollycoddle and indulge are close in meaning, mollycoddle suggests an excessive degree of care and attention to another's health or welfare.

refused to mollycoddle her malingering son

When is it sensible to use pamper instead of indulge?

The words pamper and indulge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pamper implies inordinate gratification of desire for luxury and comfort with consequent enervating effect.

pampered by the amenities of modern living

When can spoil be used instead of indulge?

In some situations, the words spoil and indulge are roughly equivalent. However, spoil stresses the injurious effects on character by indulging or pampering.

foolish parents spoil their children

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of indulge Their admirably robust menu indulges coastal cravings via seasonal oysters and Gulf shrimp while appeasing land lovers with steakhouse favorites and handmade pastas. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 26 May 2025 This multicultural circus indulges the racial stereotyping that should be Hwang’s subject. Armond White, National Review, 21 May 2025 Unlike indulging for a week on regular vacations, the cruise's generous food options – though often delicious – can be a bit overwhelming for some passengers after a few months. Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 19 May 2025 Each day includes a high option for those who want to indulge on an expensive hotel or meal, and a low option for budget-friendly alternatives. John Wogan, New York Times, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for indulge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indulge
Verb
  • The recent evolution of Mexican food in New York has been gratifying, not so much because of deviation from the classics but by the refining of them and giving them a modern twist in terms of color, presentation and better ingredients.
    John Mariani, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • Now, Libby is gratified to see the DOJ intervene and take legal action against the state.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The stock surrendered 45% of its market capitalization to close the month at $1.56 a share, making for a company value of $338 million.
    Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 2 June 2025
  • The measure has proven durable because its benefits were tangible, and voters seldom surrender benefits.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Dodge won't spoil the surprise by confirming if the last one will be based on the Charger or the Challenger (or maybe both), but the evidence suggests the latter is more likely.
    Jack Fitzgerald, Car and Driver, 13 Feb. 2023
  • Farmers’ broiler chickens suffocate, and dairy products spoil.
    Monica Mark, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Feb. 2023
Verb
  • Filming wrapped in February, and a release date has yet to be announced. Transforming a wildly popular, hyperactive manga with more than 1,100 episodes into a live-action series is no easy feat, but Netflix's reimagining of One Piece pleased noobs and fans alike.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 30 May 2025
  • Not for a grade, not for schoolwide recognition or honors, not for a potential scholarship, not to please a parent.
    Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Elder Scrolls Online, like any other MMO, is the type of game many players spend hundreds of even thousands of hours playing over the course of several years, so asking them to abandon an account with that type of legacy just to play with someone on another platform is a very big ask.
    David Jagneaux, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • How private resorts are changing travel Final boarding call for free bags at Southwest as airline abandons a cherished perk Travel Troubeshooter: Denied boarding on my flight home.
    South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Although less worldly than Welles, Anderson has a career that’s better financed, if not pampered, and that remains quintessentially American.
    Armond White, National Review, 30 May 2025
  • The attached Milk + Honey spa provides convenient pampering after travel, with a menu that has everything from an express facial and traditional massages to chemical peels and hair treatments.
    Claudia Fisher, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Service animals perform vital jobs, but humoring selfish pet owners is not one of them.
    Philip Galanes, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Irate and dismissive, but then reluctantly indulgent, Ed agrees to humor Simon, if only with the expectation of dispelling his paranoia.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The service offers a number of filters for other dietary requirements, and satisfying taste and texture—not always a guarantee on ready-to-eat meals.
    Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 28 May 2025
  • With so much natural beauty right at its doorstep, this region of Chile is bound to satisfy those who are seeking a unique experience.
    Kimberley Mok, Travel + Leisure, 26 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Indulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indulge. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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