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

Manguillier raced to passenger drop-off and delivered the ring to Leonard, who had secured a jump-the-line indulgence from sympathetic airport security agents.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 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

“I rather hope to satisfy you both,” said Emma, “for I shall do all in my power to make them happy, which will be enough for Isabella; and happiness must preclude false indulgence and physic.”

From "Emma" by Jane Austen

Vocabulary lists containing indulgence

Eat Your Words

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Monster

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Bob Dylan Wins Nobel Prize in Literature

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!