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.

The company hopes to capture higher-margin sales and appeal to younger consumers, who are gravitating toward customized, colorful drinks as an affordable indulgence.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

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

Branded as "danmei" - or indulgence in beauty - the genre is part of a beloved lineage of gay romance that has long catered to female fantasy.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 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

His laughter is nostalgic, I see now, the laughter of indulgence towards his former self.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

Vocabulary lists containing indulgence

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