1
as in humoring
to give in to (a desire)
the grandparents indulged the child's wishes to an extent that they never did with their own children
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in surrendering
to give (oneself) over to something especially unrestrainedly
conventioneers who were obviously eager to indulge themselves in all of the vices that Las Vegas might offer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in spoiling
to treat with great or excessive care
you indulge those grandkids in ways you never did with your own kids
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of indulging
Just remember to label your edibles clearly and let everyone know the potency before indulging.
—
Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2025
In America, self-control is framed as a personal choice — a way to get in shape or prove mental toughness before indulging again.
—Julie Cobalt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
And sure, while indulging ourselves with a $400 tin of caviar isn’t exactly akin to buying a tube of lipstick for most of us, the sentiment is valid.
—Allyson Reedy, The Denver Post, 19 Feb. 2025
The national community could be knit together without indulging the chauvinism of belligerence.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2025
Leering over his shoulder at every stage is his manipulative wife, Ylfa (Toni Collette), who encourages his worst instincts — like the assumption that Creepers are a threat and must therefore be exterminated — while indulging her obsession with sauces.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 15 Feb. 2025
After indulging Sofia’s indolence for the better part of its running time, the movie suddenly supports her newfound sense of independence.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
Even at home, women were discouraged from indulging.
—Rachel Hope Cleves / Made By History, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025
And in both, the woman can only overcome that desire by indulging it, and doing so will insure her destruction and save everyone else.
—Jim Shepard, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025
Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2025
In America, self-control is framed as a personal choice — a way to get in shape or prove mental toughness before indulging again.
—Julie Cobalt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
And sure, while indulging ourselves with a $400 tin of caviar isn’t exactly akin to buying a tube of lipstick for most of us, the sentiment is valid.
—Allyson Reedy, The Denver Post, 19 Feb. 2025
The national community could be knit together without indulging the chauvinism of belligerence.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2025
Leering over his shoulder at every stage is his manipulative wife, Ylfa (Toni Collette), who encourages his worst instincts — like the assumption that Creepers are a threat and must therefore be exterminated — while indulging her obsession with sauces.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 15 Feb. 2025
After indulging Sofia’s indolence for the better part of its running time, the movie suddenly supports her newfound sense of independence.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
Even at home, women were discouraged from indulging.
—Rachel Hope Cleves / Made By History, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025
And in both, the woman can only overcome that desire by indulging it, and doing so will insure her destruction and save everyone else.
—Jim Shepard, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indulging
Verb
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At that time, the Cowboys, in their first full game without Dak Prescott at quarterback, were a dysfunctional team surrendering the league’s third-most rushing yards per game.—
Brooks Kubena,
The Athletic,
27 Dec. 2024
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The Chargers puffed their chest, all right, with a defense which allowed just three points in the final two quarters after surrendering points in Denver’s first three possessions.—
Jay Paris,
Forbes,
20 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Why catharsis doesn’t work Kicking the crap out of a punching bag or unleashing a rant might feel gratifying in the moment.—
Carolyn L. Todd,
SELF,
21 Mar. 2025
-
So, if not a gratifying ending where everyone lives happily ever after and the villains get clobbered, then what?—
Brian Grubb,
Vulture,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Often, stakeholders will advocate for re-prioritizing—not abandoning—ESG commitments.—
Paul Klein,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
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Both views can to some degree be traced to James Burnham, an influential academic who became an editor at National Review after abandoning communism.—
David Byrne,
National Review,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Quesadillas These sheet pan chicken fajita quesadillas are a hassle-free way to make a crowd-pleasing meal without standing over the stove.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Apr. 2025
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Instead, lean into what feels good, and if that’s pleasing your boo above all else, that may tell you something.—
Quispe López,
Them,
13 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Indulging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indulging. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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