indulgent

adjective

in·​dul·​gent in-ˈdəl-jənt 

1

: willing to allow excessive leniency, generosity, or consideration : indulging or characterized by indulgence

indulgent grandparents

2

: done or enjoyed as a special treat or pleasure

indulgent desserts

indulgently adverb

Synonyms

• charitable
• clement
• easy
• soft

Examples of indulgent in a Sentence

He gave the child an indulgent smile.

she was perhaps a bit too indulgent with her children, who always seemed to get away with everything

Recent Examples on the Web

Let go of the past and tone down indulgent behavior. —Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024

Curry’s Jamaican heritage inspires a menu that feels both indulgent and approachable. —Jennifer Kester, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

Commonly found at fall festivals or given out at Halloween celebrations, caramel apples offer a delightful balance of seasonal fruit and indulgent toppings. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2024

On the nose, inviting aromas of baked strawberry, plum and fig draw you in, accompanied by a palate of rich caramel, cinnamon, and cocoa for an indulgent experience worth savoring. —Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin indulgent-, indulgens, present participle of indulgēre

First Known Use

1509, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

indulgent

adjective

in·​dul·​gent in-ˈdəl-jənt 

: indulging or showing indulgence : lenient

an indulgent parent

indulgently adverb