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indulgence

noun
in·​dul·​gence | \ in-ˈdÉ™l-jÉ™n(t)s How to pronounce indulgence (audio) \

Definition of indulgence

1 : 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)
2 : the act of indulging : the state of being indulgent
3a : an indulgent act
b : an extension of time for payment or performance granted as a favor
4a : the act of indulging in something especially : self-indulgence
b : something indulged in walk off gastronomic indulgences— Barbara L. Michaels
Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about indulgence

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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Give me the honest neronic wink-wink indulgence of Vegas, baby! over the pretentious stateliness of Washington any time. — Kevin D. Williamson, National Review, "Las Vegas: The Allure of the Ersatz," 22 Aug. 2019 But the Woodstock festival was simultaneously an epiphany and an indulgence. — Jon Pareles, New York Times, "Woodstock’s Contradictions, 50 Years Later," 5 Aug. 2019 The indulgence comes from blue cheese and a little mascarpone, which create a luxurious yet punchy sauce. — Joe Yonan, Twin Cities, "Cook broccoli longer and it becomes as comforting as this bowl of pasta," 20 June 2019 Lover’s Deep: This is the ultimate honeymoon indulgence: a private, luxury submarine where couples can spend a night under the waves. — Karen Carmichael, National Geographic, "Don’t scuba? Here are 10 other underwater thrills," 7 June 2019 Set up the Comfiest Landing Spot Let’s be honest: a daybed is a bit of an indulgence, so why no overdo it? — Chantal Lamers, Sunset, "There’s No Home Design Problem a Banquette Can’t Solve," 22 Jan. 2018 As Luther’s claims about the inefficacy of indulgences spread, with help from the new Gutenberg printing press, so did the idea of the solas, which formed the basis of the Reformation. — Jamie Quatro, The New Yorker, "The Hidden Life of a Forgotten Sixteenth-Century Female Poet," 5 Aug. 2019 If there’s a way to do indulgence tastefully, the new Virgin Hotel comes close. — Anthony Flint, BostonGlobe.com, "In San Francisco, new destinations over the top," 17 July 2019 Some people are offended at the cost, as if spending $50,000 on a clone is morally worse than spending the same amount on a luxury car, diamond ring or other personal indulgence. — Roxanne Roberts, Anchorage Daily News, "When is the best time to clone your dog?," 11 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'indulgence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of indulgence

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for indulgence

indulgence

noun
How to pronounce indulgence (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of indulgence

: the behavior or attitude of people who allow themselves to do what they want or who allow other people to do what they want
: the act of doing something that you enjoy but that is usually thought of as wrong or unhealthy
: something that is done or enjoyed as a special pleasure

See the full definition for indulgence in the English Language Learners Dictionary

indulgence

noun
in·​dul·​gence | \ in-ˈdÉ™l-jÉ™ns How to pronounce indulgence (audio) \

Kids Definition of indulgence

1 : the practice of allowing enjoyment of whatever is desired He lives a life of indulgence.
2 : an act of doing what is desired She regretted her indulgence in new clothes.
3 : something that a person enjoys or desires Chocolate is an indulgence.

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More from Merriam-Webster on indulgence

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for indulgence

Spanish Central: Translation of indulgence

Nglish: Translation of indulgence for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of indulgence for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about indulgence

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