Synonyms of indulgence
1
a
: the act of indulging in something
especially : self-indulgence
b
: something indulged in
… walk off gastronomic indulgences.Barbara L. Michaels
2
a
: an indulgent act
b
: an extension of time for payment or performance granted as a favor
3
: the act of indulging : the state of being indulgent
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
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Adding this biotin supplement to cart will also put you just a dollar away from iHerb’s free shipping threshold, as all orders over $25 qualify for this indulgence. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026 Written and rendered by dudes who longed for unlimited success, these are songs about cheating and being cheated on and trying but failing to be content, or love as lived amid capitalist indulgence. Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Aug. 2026 The Thousand Oaks market, Erewhon’s 15th, features store-specific merchandise and an exclusive Amidst The Oaks smoothie, with proceeds supporting Manna Conejo Food Bank, underscoring the chain’s mix of indulgence and local philanthropy. Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 Chains are using the same flexible format to serve different tastes and occasions, from energy to indulgence. Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for indulgence

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Time Traveler
The first known use of indulgence was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Indulgence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indulgence. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

indulgence

noun
1
: the act of indulging : the state of being indulgent
2
: an indulgent act
3
: something indulged in

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