indulgent

[ in-duhl-juhnt ]

adjective

1. characterized by or showing indulgence; benignly lenient or permissive:

   an indulgent parent.

   Synonyms: tolerant, easygoing

indulgent

/ ɪnˈdʌldʒənt /

adjective

1. showing or characterized by indulgence

Derived Forms

• inˈdulgently, adverb

Other Words From

• in·dulgent·ly adverb
• nonin·dulgent adjective
• nonin·dulgent·ly adverb
• prein·dulgent adjective
• super·in·dulgent adjective
• super·in·dulgent·ly adverb
• unin·dulgent adjective
• unin·dulgent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of indulgent¹

First recorded in 1500–10; from Latin indulgent-, stem of indulgēns “taking pleasure in,” present participle of indulgēre; indulge

Example Sentences

Now that I’m at a station in my professional life where I’m kept up at night by concerns that go far beyond myself, such indulgent bouts are fewer and further between.

From Nautilus

In indulgent societies, more people play sports, while in restrained societies, sports are more something you watch.

From Freakonomics

This current spring release featuring intentional colors, indulgent textures, and peak boldness to cultivate ideal yet mod selects for spring.

From Essence.com

So you’ll forgive a moment of indulgent irrationality and some merriment.

From Time

It feels more indulgent than the usual PB&J or energy bar but is still easy to snack on during lift rides without making a mess.

From Outside Online

Both followed wars; people were tired of idealism and self-sacrifice and were determined to enjoy a self- indulgent materialism.

From The Daily Beast

His last words, or so they say, were woefully self-indulgent: “Why me, Johnny Lazia, who has been the friend of everybody?”

From The Daily Beast

A British editorialist called it, “mesmerizingly precious and hideously self-indulgent.”

From The Daily Beast

Then, after their brief, indulgent stare, the two of them took off down the street, clearly unimpressed.

From The Daily Beast

Oftentimes public fear like this can be a self-indulgent kind of collective astral projection.

From The Daily Beast

Isabel's eyes were dancing with so purely youthful and feminine a triumph that he could not but feel indulgent.

From Project Gutenberg

Undoubtedly, as they grow stronger and stronger, it will be wise in the home government to be more and more indulgent.

From Project Gutenberg

He delivered his repeated phrases with an unctuous indulgent roll that made Gwynne long to grind his teeth.

From Project Gutenberg

He was a loving, indulgent father, and the girls adored him, but no sterner disciplinarian ever held sway.

From Project Gutenberg

Elsie would think it self-indulgent and abominable to stay in bed to breakfast—I don't.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• considerate
• fond
• kindly
• permissive
• tolerant