indulgent

adjective

in·​dul·​gent in-ˈdəl-jənt How to pronounce indulgent (audio)
1
: willing to allow excessive leniency, generosity, or consideration : indulging or characterized by indulgence
indulgent grandparents
2
: 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.
To create the ideal formula and put it into this indulgent form, Lemme Play was in development for more than two years. Emily Burns, Footwear News, 9 May 2025 Tatiana’s are downright indulgent, served sitting in a thick, sticky-sweet reduction that sent warmth radiating from my belly to my bones. New York Times, 7 May 2025 Follow Hochman for continued coverage on what's delicious, refreshing, inspiring, indulgent and entertaining in California and way beyond. David Hochman, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 Get The Recipe Cinnamon Roll Casserole This sweet breakfast casserole is every bit as indulgent as the cinnamon rolls Grandma would make from scratch—only easier. Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 2 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indulgent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indulgent. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

indulgent

adjective
in·​dul·​gent in-ˈdəl-jənt How to pronounce indulgent (audio)
: indulging or showing indulgence : lenient
an indulgent parent
indulgently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on indulgent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!