indulgence

noun

in-ˈdəl-jən(t)s How to pronounce indulgence (audio)
Definition of indulgencenext
1
as in kindness
an act of kind assistance as an only child, she was used to getting every kind of indulgence from her doting parents

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in luxury
something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary bubble baths were her one indulgence

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 indulgence His albums have always embraced scattershot indulgence, with 18 or 25 or 34 tracks trying to capture his life and logic in toto. — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026 Burdick seemed to have drawn directly from McCarthy’s experience, the hopelessness of fighting with his father over a world his father had already ruined, the surrender to indulgence and mindless violence because…why not? — Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026 Musk isn’t the only kibbitzer who believes that a European firm, with its soft Continental indulgence of extended summer holidays, has taken the future hostage. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 Much like the equally delicious pumpkin spice or pecan crunch latte nails, this cozy take on the trend brings together rich autumnal hues, creamy neutrals, and playful details that capture the essence of fall’s favorite indulgences. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for indulgence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indulgence
  1. kindness
  2. luxury
  3. privilege
  4. amenity
  5. service
  6. grace
  7. courtesy
  8. mercy
Noun
  • Patience and kindness can go a long way, Henderson says, and Seshadri reminds everyone to extend that respect to the airport staff and your fellow passengers.
    — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Be patient when a grocery store cashier with disabilities rings up your items — kindness can go a long way.
    — John Gill, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • Rather than replicating the formula of an international luxury chain, Elegance has built its reputation on intimate hotels that celebrate Vietnamese hospitality, thoughtful design, and sense of place.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Mohamed brings more than two decades of global experience leading product strategy from concept through to market for luxury, fashion and lifestyle brands.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of luxury
Noun
  • Unlike the malware embedded in phone firmware, these Google Play apps lacked the elevated system privileges needed to silently install other applications.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Filmmaking for me is such a privilege to be able to do for a living.
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of privilege
Noun
  • Jackson Hole's first and only ski-in, ski-out ultra-luxury private club and residences, which opened in January 2026, has five-star amenities, personalized service, and accommodations that rival the swishiest rentals.
    — Lindsay Cohn, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Davidson Just outside Charlotte and with all the hospital amenities of the nearby metro, Davidson isn’t just for the college students of its namesake university.
    — Eva Flowe, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of amenity
Noun
  • Edmond and fellow applicant Jessica Thibodeaux attended the meeting, and each addressed the council to discuss their background and interest in civic service.
    — Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Ground systems support the constellation and help sustain the positioning, navigation, and timing services used by military forces.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of service
Noun
  • Keep your core circle close, but allow everyone the grace to navigate their own process.
    — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Maybe no scene better embodies Lee’s exquisite communion with his characters than his last one, which supplies them with a hint of grace.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of grace
Noun
  • Many of the stories, interviews and analyses Jake Tapper presents to his followers on CNN rely heavily on moving pictures, courtesy of his employer.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026
  • To add finishing touches to her look, Adams wore a pair of gold statement earrings, along with a cocktail ring courtesy of David Webb.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of courtesy
Noun
  • But there’s gotta be a better way to do this than leave people to the mercies of the market when the market has no mercy.
    — John E. McDonough, STAT, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Showing mercy to murderers historically has not been popular with voters.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of mercy

Browse Nearby Words

indulge (in)
indulgence
indulgences
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Cite this Entry

“Indulgence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indulgence. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on indulgence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about indulgence

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