indulgence

noun

in-ˈdəl-jən(t)s How to pronounce indulgence (audio)
Definition of indulgencenext
1
as in kindness
an act of kind assistance as an only child, she was used to getting every kind of indulgence from her doting parents

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in luxury
something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary bubble baths were her one indulgence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of indulgence Few things feel as decadent as a rich meal or dessert—but even the butter dishes that house the starring ingredient for these dishes can feel like an indulgence. — Clara Hillis, Architectural Digest, 18 Aug. 2026 The Sunset Soft Serve Rita combines a strawberry and mango margarita with vanilla soft-serve ice cream, a bold Tajín® rim, rich chamoy drizzle, and a crunchy hot honey Tajín® topping for the perfect balance of sweet-heat indulgence. — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026 Jerry is also a foodie, which relates to the Earth sign’s love of indulgence and decadence. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026 In this view, regulation, safety testing, liability, and labor protections are all indulgences that a superpower can no longer afford. — Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for indulgence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indulgence
  1. kindness
  2. luxury
  3. privilege
  4. amenity
  5. service
  6. grace
  7. courtesy
  8. mercy
Noun
  • If someone consistently behaves with kindness, generosity, and consideration, even when these behaviors require effort or self-restraint, their motives may be less important than their actions.
    — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The singer was so well known for helping out that fake stories are hard to refute, because even extraordinary acts of kindness sound like something Parton would do.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • The $130 billion Indian wedding market is one of luxury’s biggest opportunities.
    — Sujata Assomull, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • For private luxury on a grand scale, the Salamanca Suite and even larger Anglada House Suite (pictured) have spacious terraces with superb city views; here, the hotel can arrange for a private chef to prepare lunches or dinners.
    — Eddi Fiegel, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of luxury
Noun
  • His life has been intertwined with money, business, politics and privilege — for better or worse.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Despite this, and no matter their individual circumstances or histories, the former in-group felt that they were expected to express shame over their privilege.
    — Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of privilege
Noun
  • It is anticipated that the new complex would include a wide range of amenities, further solidifying Palmares' reputation as a destination where golf is just the beginning.
    — Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Are there any amenities available, or is this more of a DIY experience?
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of amenity
Noun
  • Treasury yields moved lower across the curve on Thursday, as traders look ahead to key services and jobs data for more insights into the domestic economic picture following a sharp sell-off in global bond markets.
    — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Strong companies may begin with electric-fleet operations, depot management, charging, maintenance, logistics or mobility services and evolve toward autonomous-ready infrastructure.
    — John Gabriel, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of service
Noun
  • He was beloved for his grace and elegance on the court and his easy-going manner off it.
    — Don Riddell, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Their parents, Patricia Arquette (who won an Oscar for her performance) and Ethan Hawke gain a wisdom and grace with the passing of time.
    — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of grace
Noun
  • Braking performance comes courtesy of Gale Speed calipers, a Kustom Tech master cylinder, and custom in-house caliper brackets.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
  • While both the primary and secondary suites live on the main level, an ascending staircase leads you up to a dedicated workspace and additional sleeping accommodations courtesy of a sleeper sofa.
    — Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of courtesy
Noun
  • Historians say the horns may have been blown to scare evil spirits, to proclaim victories, or as a way to encourage divine mercy.
    — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
  • And she has been asked to comment and speak on MANY things over the years … choosing only to speak on that which brings love and mercy to real people, and shutting down any line of questioning that won’t.
    — Hunter Kelly, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of mercy

Browse Nearby Words

indulge (in)
indulgence
indulgences
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Cite this Entry

“Indulgence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indulgence. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on indulgence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about indulgence

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