indulgent

adjective

in·​dul·​gent in-ˈdəl-jənt 

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

Synonyms

• charitable
• clement
• easy
• soft

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

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

Those dalliances cemented her abiding love of tweed, sailor stripes, cashmere knits, and—thanks to the indulgent Duke—gigantic love jewels, worn in rule-breaking multiples. —Steff Yotka, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025

Similarly, My Night Show adds a theatrical layer to sustainability: indulgent but intentional, with storytelling that appeals to the emotionally intelligent shopper. —Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

Luis Garcia: Our mission at Tree Hut is to make self care an uncompromising experience — one that is both indulgent and effective. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 18 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin indulgent-, indulgens, present participle of indulgēre

First Known Use

1509, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

indulgent

adjective

in·​dul·​gent in-ˈdəl-jənt 

: indulging or showing indulgence : lenient

an indulgent parent

indulgently adverb