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.

These sounds are strange bedfellows, but the delirium rarely feels indulgent or trivial. — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026 Aware of the growing closeness between Caitlyn and her troubled patient, John keeps an indulgent but wary eye on them even as his suspicions about Matt’s role in the deaths grow. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026 World-class accommodations and dining, wellness facilities, and an array of indulgent activities and events are transforming harbors into truly lavish havens. — Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2026 Chocolate Bread Pudding Casserole Chocolate Bread Pudding Casserole transforms simple ingredients into a rich, indulgent treat. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 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

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Indulgent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indulgent. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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

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