indulgence
noun
in·dul·gence
in-ˈdəl-jən(t)s 
1
a
: the act of indulging in something
especially
: self-indulgence
b
: something indulged in
walk off gastronomic indulgences—
Barbara L. Michaels
Barbara L. Michaels2
a
: an indulgent act
b
: an extension of time for payment or performance granted as a favor
4
: remission of part or all of the temporal and especially purgatorial punishment that according to Roman Catholicism is due for sins whose eternal punishment has been remitted and whose guilt has been pardoned (as through the sacrament of reconciliation)
Examples of indulgence in a Sentence
She lived a life of selfish indulgence.
his indulgence in forbidden pleasures
She found that she couldn't afford the indulgences she had once enjoyed.
For our anniversary we allowed ourselves the indulgence of an elegant dinner at our favorite restaurant.
Good food is my only indulgence.
Recent Examples on the Web
From May 2–4, Harbour Club will be activating at the Miami International Autodrome, immersing guests in a high-octane, high-luxury experience featuring prime views, next-level dining, and signature indulgences courtesy of a’Riva and Nikai — including Chef Michele’s famed pistachio gelato.
—Erica Wertheim Zohar, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
The ultimate indulgence on the menu is some precious leisure time in the middle of the day.
—Oset Babür-Winter, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2025
But my largest indulgence by far has been my Rimowa, the luxury German suitcase.
—Elisa Wouk Almino, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
So grateful for the cast, crew and studio for their confidence and indulgence.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indulgence
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Erica Wertheim Zohar, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
The ultimate indulgence on the menu is some precious leisure time in the middle of the day.
—Oset Babür-Winter, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2025
But my largest indulgence by far has been my Rimowa, the luxury German suitcase.
—Elisa Wouk Almino, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
So grateful for the cast, crew and studio for their confidence and indulgence.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indulgence
Cite this Entry
“Indulgence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indulgence. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
indulgence
noun
in·dul·gence
in-ˈdəl-jən(t)s
1
: the act of indulging : the state of being indulgent
2
: an indulgent act
3
: something indulged in
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