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

The event’s interactive village will be a sensory overload of Miami flavor—from local artisans and designers to pop-up tastings of the city’s boldest, most indulgent flavors. —Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

Taking inspiration from its Regency period of history, the theatre also serves an indulgent afternoon tea in the Grand Saloon. —Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

This evolution has given both heritage and emerging fragrance houses a long runway to push creative boundaries, crafting scents that feel indulgent yet refined. —Danielle James, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025

Delicate, indulgent, and undeniably luxurious, caviar is a decadent addition to any dish—even dessert. —Katie Kelly Bell, Robb Report, 29 Mar. 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