indulgent

[in-duhl-juhnt] / ɪnˈdʌl dʒənt /

ADJECTIVE

lenient, giving

Synonyms

STRONGEST

considerate fond kindly permissive tolerant

WEAK

able to live with big charitable clement compassionate complaisant compliant easy easygoing favorable forbearing gentle going along with going easy on gratifying kind liberal merciful mild overpermissive soft-shelled tender understanding

Antonyms

STRONGEST

inconsiderate intolerant mean

WEAK

abstaining moderate moderating strict

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.

Warm, buttery and cinnamon-scented coconut bread from St. Kitts and Nevis made an indulgent dessert.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Ultimately, the risk is that prolonged war and indulgent external backing produce a state whose pathologies are dangerous in and of themselves.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

The dry-aged grilled branzino was flaky and beautifully cooked, but the standout was the chicken al pastor, served with a fresh pineapple salad and pineapple butter—bright, savory, and just a little indulgent.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

At nearly four hours, the sequel is bigger, louder and more indulgent than the original.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

There was indulgent laughter, more applause, then Charles announced that it was dinner.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Vocabulary lists containing indulgent

The Giver

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Achievement First 7th Grade IA 1 Words

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Purple Hibiscus

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