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

Winter is brimming with an overabundance of snug spoiling, but nothing is quite as indulgent as an extremely soft sweater. —Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 6 Dec. 2024

Go for a stylish and refined look all winter long with an indulgent cashmere sweater. —Hedy Phillips, People.com, 5 Dec. 2024

For many of the readers who entered this year’s Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest, baking isn’t just a means of creating a sweet indulgent treat. —Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 4 Dec. 2024

At 34-proof, this is a mild spirit that's most often enjoyed on its own warmed, in a cocktail, or as an indulgent splash in your favorite apple cider. —Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 3 Dec. 2024

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