Definition of INDULGENCE (original) (raw)
1
a
: the act of indulging in something
b
: something indulged in
walk off gastronomic indulgences—
Barbara L. Michaels
2
b
: an extension of time for payment or performance granted as a favor
4
: 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)
Synonyms
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.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Consumers are increasingly willing to compromise on indulgence in exchange for healthier food with more natural ingredients. —Richard Collings, Axios, 29 Oct. 2024 Chic decor blends Four Seasons comfort with a distinct Savoyard charm, while luxurious marble bathrooms—complete with mountain views and Japanese-style automatic toilets—add an extra layer of indulgence. —Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024 Halloween is the start of a season filled with a lot of indulgence in sweet treats. —Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 25 Oct. 2024 One of the hardest things to market around sober culture is a sense of indulgence. —Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for indulgence 
Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4
Time Traveler
The first known use of indulgence was in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near indulgence
Cite this Entry
“Indulgence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indulgence. Accessed 9 Nov. 2024.
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Last Updated: 3 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences
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