indulgent

adjective

in·dul·gent in-ˈdəl-jənt

Synonyms of indulgent

: willing to allow excessive leniency, generosity, or consideration : indulging or characterized by indulgence

indulgent grandparents

: done or enjoyed as a special treat or pleasure

indulgent desserts

indulgently adverb

Examples of indulgent in a Sentence

He gave the child an indulgent smile. she was perhaps a bit too indulgent with her children, who always seemed to get away with everything

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Quiet luxury brand Loro Piana introduced CashDenim in 2022, as consumers emerged from the pandemic seeking indulgent yet comfortable wardrobe updates. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026 Nights are characterized by indulgent meals and fireside banter. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026 Jump to recipe Cool, crisp shrimp remoulade is the perfect light, yet indulgent main dish to serve this summer. — Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026 Room-service breakfast overlooking a Norwegian fjord is one of those rare cruise experiences that can be both indulgent and practical. — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for indulgent

Word History

Etymology

Latin indulgent-, indulgens, present participle of indulgēre

First Known Use

1509, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of indulgent was in 1509

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

indulgence

indulgent

indulgently

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Indulgent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indulgent. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

indulgent

adjective

in·dul·gent in-ˈdəl-jənt

: indulging or showing indulgence : lenient

an indulgent parent

indulgently adverb

indulgent

adjective

Synonyms of indulgent

Examples of indulgent in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes