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 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 Marienlyst Strandhotel, right on the waterfront in Helsingør, is a truly wonderful escape that features sweeping views, spa indulgence, and effortless Scandi style. — Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026 As emails and text messages tug at our sleeves, even a short lull in the labors of the day can feel like an indulgence. — Danny Heitman, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026 The book opens with Haskell cheekily insisting for a bartender to go ahead and add a floral garnish to his cocktail, and that wry indulgence in the fun of flowers and in deeper botanical knowledge is found on every page. — Brianne Kane, Scientific American, 30 July 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
  • The bride notes she was also taken in by the team’s kindness and talent.
    — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The moment taught Ridinger that a simple act of kindness can have a lasting impact.
    — Travis Cronin, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of kindness
Noun
  • Celebrations began early for Berry, who has been enjoying vacation at the ultra-exclusive and luxury Kokomo private island resort in Fiji with her fiancé Van Hunt.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
  • As traditional luxury faces consumer resistance to ever-increasing costs, DeMellier offers design, craftsmanship, and value without the exorbitant price tag.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of luxury
Noun
  • There are certain elements of this that aren’t slowing down, and that’s a privilege.
    — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2026
  • If their creations are deemed visually appealing, the males win the ultimate prize — mating privileges.
    — Dina Cheney, Washington Post, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of privilege
Noun
  • Shielded from the elements and stocked with comforting amenities, this hotel manages to feel like part of the national park.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • On some long-haul international routes, premium cabins come with everything from lie-flat beds and plush bedding to amenity kits and multiple power outlets.
    — Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of amenity
Noun
  • Amy Tucci, president of the Hospice Foundation of America, noted that some agencies provide extra therapy, aide support, and other services.
    — Kim Clark, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Ambos serves dinner Wednesday through Sunday, with a weekend brunch service.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of service
Noun
  • December 22 – January 19 Your professional grace is opening doors.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Many have called for empathy and compassion for the situation, while others struggle to reconcile calls for grace with Hilton’s history of profiting from celebrities’ most painful moments.
    — Krystie Lee Yandoli, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of grace
Noun
  • The latter come courtesy of Gravy, a puppet Dirnt used back in the day to entertain his pals on the road that inspired a cinematic counterpart.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Wednesday’s game pits French champions and Champions League winners PSG against Premier League side Villa, who lifted the Europa League courtesy of a 3-0 win over Freiburg.
    — Dean Jones, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of courtesy
Noun
  • The Hitlerite hordes are murdering and outraging the peaceful inhabitants of our country, having no mercy on women, children or old people.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Daemon, on Ceraxes, tracks down his daughter on Sheepstealer and pleads with her again to remain hidden or avail herself of Rhaenyra’s mercy.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 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 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on indulgence

Nglish: Translation of indulgence for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about indulgence

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