as in luxurious
given to or marked by excessive gratification of one's desires
a reality show about self-indulgent twentysomethings whose sole concerns seem to be getting down and getting drunk
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 self-indulgent
Not Trump, of all presidents, an amoral self-indulgent grifter by trade and liar by practice.
—
Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026
On first listen, these first 45 seconds sound like self-indulgent throat clearing.
—Jackson Howard, Pitchfork, 29 Mar. 2026
In the face of such grave concerns, Alyoshka’s torments seem self-indulgent and frustrating, but his problem—whether to leave or stay—is far from insignificant.
—Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
And to go there with a critical eye and not to be self-indulgent.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 17 Mar. 2026
All of this self-indulgent whining, by the way, is going on while Pippa is supposed to be supporting Bree at her photography exhibit.
—Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2026
Some lauded Coppola for his ambition and refusal to play it safe, but the praise was exceeded by criticism, with the movie being called incoherent and self-indulgent.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2025
And since the lesser and insubstantial always has to give place to the greater and substantial, self-indulgent lust has no choice but to make way for our reflection of pure and perfect Love.
—Tony Lobl, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Oct. 2025
Rescued repeatedly by Anderson’s surehandedness as an entertainer, One Battle After Another is clearly the best picture that could have been made from so self-indulgent a script.
—Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025
Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026
On first listen, these first 45 seconds sound like self-indulgent throat clearing.
—Jackson Howard, Pitchfork, 29 Mar. 2026
In the face of such grave concerns, Alyoshka’s torments seem self-indulgent and frustrating, but his problem—whether to leave or stay—is far from insignificant.
—Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
And to go there with a critical eye and not to be self-indulgent.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 17 Mar. 2026
All of this self-indulgent whining, by the way, is going on while Pippa is supposed to be supporting Bree at her photography exhibit.
—Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2026
Some lauded Coppola for his ambition and refusal to play it safe, but the praise was exceeded by criticism, with the movie being called incoherent and self-indulgent.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2025
And since the lesser and insubstantial always has to give place to the greater and substantial, self-indulgent lust has no choice but to make way for our reflection of pure and perfect Love.
—Tony Lobl, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Oct. 2025
Rescued repeatedly by Anderson’s surehandedness as an entertainer, One Battle After Another is clearly the best picture that could have been made from so self-indulgent a script.
—Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-indulgent
Adjective
-
Ahead, discover our perfect Mother’s Day gifts for every type of mom, including design-forward decor, luxurious linens, delicious fragrances, accents for the outdoors, and even a few last-minute Mother’s Day gift ideas (After all, a gift box goes a long way).—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Hydration, Plus Flavor When sipped, rosemary water offers an herbaceous flavor that feels sophisticated and a little luxurious.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The photos capture the artist in his prime, from sensual solo poses to special moments with then-wife Mayte Garcia.—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Ozon’s black-and-white version sticks closely to the story but dispenses with much of the narration to focus on the sensual streets of colonial Algeria.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
To that end, the writer-director, Chandler Levack, establishes an agreeably slapdash attitude of hedonistic adventure, one that’s often intentionally borderline cringe.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
12 Apr. 2026
-
For example, Cheek cites research that connects altruistic behavior and a sense of purpose with reduced inflammation, as opposed to hedonistic pursuits, which can worsen inflammation.—
Keith Wagstaff,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-indulgent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-indulgent. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
