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Definitions

indulgence

[in-duhl-juhns] / ɪnˈdʌl dʒəns /
NOUN
luxury; gratification
Synonyms
STRONGEST
extravagance kindness leniency permissiveness privilege
STRONG
allowance appeasement attention courtesy endurance excess favor fondling fondness forbearance fulfillment goodwill hedonism immoderation intemperance intemperateness lenience pampering partiality patience petting pleasing profligacy satiation satisfaction service spoiling tolerance toleration understanding
WEAK
babying coddling favoring gratifying kowtowing placating profligateness toadying treating
Antonyms
STRONG
disapproval disfavor disregard dissatisfaction frustration intolerance need want
WEAK
abstention care moderation temperance

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

However, the evidence suggests it may be wiser to treat it as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily staple.

From Science Daily • Mar. 1, 2026

The lime-green background and blurry typography on the cover of her sixth album, “Brat,” quickly became internet shorthand for the season’s pursuit of devil-may-care indulgence and personal adventure.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

In a genre that often codes food as indulgence, this is maintenance.

From Salon • Feb. 15, 2026

Lawson's "indulgence" came in stark contrast to what writer and superfan Jessica Burrell says would now be called "food shaming".

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

I would like to beg your indulgence while I review that testimony.

From "Monster" by Walter Dean Myers