indulgence

noun

in·​dul·​gence in-ˈdəl-jən(t)s 

1

a

: the act of indulging in something

especially : self-indulgence

b

: something indulged in

walk off gastronomic indulgences

—Barbara L. Michaels

2

a

: an indulgent act

b

: an extension of time for payment or performance granted as a favor

3

: the act of indulging : the state of being indulgent

4

: remission of part or all of the temporal and especially purgatorial punishment that according to Roman Catholicism is due for sins whose eternal punishment has been remitted and whose guilt has been pardoned (as through the sacrament of reconciliation)

Synonyms

• benevolence
• boon
• courtesy
• favor
• grace
• kindness
• mercy
• service
• turn

Examples of indulgence in a Sentence

She lived a life of selfish indulgence.

his indulgence in forbidden pleasures

She found that she couldn't afford the indulgences she had once enjoyed.

For our anniversary we allowed ourselves the indulgence of an elegant dinner at our favorite restaurant.

Good food is my only indulgence.

Recent Examples on the Web

The popular indulgence features tea, scones, finger sandwiches and pastries in a lovely setting. —Lois Alter Mark, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

After a day of indulgence, the pampered pair retreat to their beds for yet another nap. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024

Here’s some seasonal indulgences that are available right this minute but may be gone again soon. —John Graham, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Nov. 2024

Consider this our first indulgence of the holiday week. —Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Phrases Containing indulgence

• plenary indulgence
• self-indulgence

Kids Definition

indulgence

noun

in·​dul·​gence in-ˈdəl-jən(t)s 

1

: the act of indulging : the state of being indulgent

2

: an indulgent act

3

: something indulged in