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

Other Word Forms

• indulgently adverb
• nonindulgent adjective
• nonindulgently adverb
• preindulgent adjective
• superindulgent adjective
• superindulgently adverb
• unindulgent adjective
• unindulgently 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

The hotel continues the theme with a 40-foot indoor “tranquility” pool and steam rooms — a serene, modern and indulgent retreat.

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TJ’s Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese is exactly that — cheesy, indulgent and, yes, magical.

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Bright, nutty and herb-forward, with just enough richness to feel indulgent.

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A splash of cream softened everything into a pale, velvety sauce, and a grating of parmesan and lemon zest nudged it toward something bright and indulgent.

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The finished pasta is creamy, rich and indulgent — seriously, you can’t go wrong with TJ’s Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese for school lunch.

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Related Words

• considerate 
• fond 
• kindly 
• permissive 
• tolerant