indulgence
noun
in·dul·gence
in-ˈdəl-jən(t)s 
1
a
: the act of indulging in something
especially
: self-indulgence
b
: something indulged in
walk off gastronomic indulgences—
Barbara L. Michaels
Barbara L. Michaels2
a
: an indulgent act
b
: an extension of time for payment or performance granted as a favor
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
From Excess to Influence: The Swag Bag’s Evolution In 2024, Oscar nominees were gifted an array of experiences and indulgences designed to leave a lasting impression.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
The key is a balance of indulgence and lightness—offering just enough decadence without leaving guests too full for the rest of the day.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2025
In the 1600s, chocolate-drinking houses sprang up in England and its American colonies as places for political discussion and indulgence.
—Kendra Nordin Beato, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Feb. 2025
As the daughter of Dr. Mehmet Oz, Daphne Oz has built a career emphasizing the importance of nourishing foods, mindful indulgence and wellness.
—Fox News, 2 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indulgence
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Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
The key is a balance of indulgence and lightness—offering just enough decadence without leaving guests too full for the rest of the day.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2025
In the 1600s, chocolate-drinking houses sprang up in England and its American colonies as places for political discussion and indulgence.
—Kendra Nordin Beato, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Feb. 2025
As the daughter of Dr. Mehmet Oz, Daphne Oz has built a career emphasizing the importance of nourishing foods, mindful indulgence and wellness.
—Fox News, 2 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indulgence
Articles Related to indulgence
Cite this Entry
“Indulgence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indulgence. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
indulgence
noun
in·dul·gence
in-ˈdəl-jən(t)s
1
: the act of indulging : the state of being indulgent
2
: an indulgent act
3
: something indulged in
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