Indulgence — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /in-ˈdəl-jən(t)s/ in·dul·gence

Meaning & Definition of Indulgence

Indulgence (noun)

  1. the act of indulging in something; especially, self-indulgence
  2. something indulged in
  3. an indulgent act

Indulgence (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an act of kind assistance

    "as an only child, she was used to getting every kind of indulgence from her doting parents"

    similar: benevolence, boon, courtesy, favor, grace, kindness, mercy, service, turn
    related: dispensation, waiver, advantage, benefit, blessing, godsend, manna, liberty, license, privilege
    near: hindrance, hurdle, impediment, interference, obstacle

  2. something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary

    "bubble baths were her one indulgence"

    similar: amenity, comfort, extra, frill, luxury, superfluity
    related: extravagance, nonessential, dainty, delicacy, nicety, treat, accessory, accoutrement, bells and whistles, option
    opposite: basic, essential, fundamental, must, necessity, requirement

Related Entry: Self-indulgence (noun)

Self-indulgence is a different word from Indulgence. The synonyms below are for self-indulgence, not for indulgence.

  1. as in self-importance, pride

    similar: complacence, complacency, conceit, conceitedness, ego, pomposity, pompousness, pride, pridefulness, self-admiration, self-conceit, self-esteem, self-importance, self-love, self-partiality, self-respect, self-satisfaction, self-sufficiency, smugness, vaingloriousness, vainglory, vainness, vanity, egocentricity, egocentrism, egoism, egomania, egotism, narcissism, navel-gazing, self-absorption, self-centeredness, self-concern, self-interest, self-involvement, selfishness, selfness, self-preoccupation, self-regard, self-assumption, self-consequence, self-content, self-contentment, self-glorification
    opposite: self-abandonment, self-forgetfulness, selflessness, unselfishness, altruism, generosity, magnanimity, self-sacrifice, detachment, disinterestedness, fairness, impartiality, neutrality, objectivity, self-flagellation, self-annihilation, self-immolation

  2. as in gluttony, intemperance

    similar: dissipation, gluttony, immoderation, intemperance, greed, rapaciousness, rapacity, ravenousness, venery, wantonness, carnality, debauchery, hedonism, sensuality, sybaritism, voluptuousness
    opposite: abstinence, asceticism, sobriety, temperance

  3. as in indulgence, overindulgence

    similar: indulgence, overindulgence, improvidence, squandering, excess, immoderacy, overkill, bountifulness, generosity, liberality, conspicuous consumption, splurge, extravagance, extravagancy, lavishness, prodigality, profusion, wastefulness
    opposite: economy, frugality, penny-pinching, austerity, moderation, restraint, temperance

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Indulgence

The most common words with a similar meaning to Indulgence:

benevolence, boon, courtesy, favor, grace, kindness, mercy, service, turn, amenity, comfort, extra, frill, luxury, superfluity

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Indulgence

Words with the opposite meaning of Indulgence:

basic, essential, fundamental, must, necessity, requirement

Related Words for Indulgence

dispensation, waiver, advantage, benefit, blessing, godsend, manna, liberty, license, privilege, extravagance, nonessential, dainty, delicacy, nicety, treat, accessory, accoutrement, bells and whistles, option

Near Antonyms of Indulgence

hindrance, hurdle, impediment, interference, obstacle

Origin & Etymology of Indulgence

First known use: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Indulgence

plenary indulgence, self-indulgence

Frequently Asked Questions about Indulgence

What does "Indulgence" mean?

"Indulgence" means the act of indulging in something; especially, self-indulgence. As a noun, it is defined as: the act of indulging in something; especially, self-indulgence. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Indulgence"?

Other words for "Indulgence" include benevolence, boon, courtesy, favor, grace, kindness, mercy and service. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Indulgence" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Indulgence"?

There are 35 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Indulgence". Common alternatives include benevolence, boon, courtesy, favor, grace, kindness, mercy, service, turn and amenity.

What is the opposite of "Indulgence"?

Antonyms of "Indulgence" include basic, essential, fundamental, must, necessity and requirement. Near antonyms include hindrance, hurdle, impediment and interference.

How do you use "Indulgence" in a sentence?

Examples of "Indulgence" in a sentence: "as an only child, she was used to getting every kind of indulgence from her doting parents"; "bubble baths were her one indulgence".

Is "Indulgence" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Indulgence" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Indulgence"?

"Indulgence" is pronounced /in-ˈdəl-jən(t)s/ and divided into syllables as in·dul·gence.

What is the origin of the word "Indulgence"?

First known use: 14th century.