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indulgence Synonyms

Another word for indulgence

Choosing another word for indulgence depends on context, so the 20 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 4 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

The action or fact of gratifying one's own desires, whims, or appetites without restraint.

Usage Example

"A life of constant self-indulgence rarely leads to lasting fulfillment."

Strongest
self-indulgence
gratification
Strong
excess
intemperance
immoderation
extravagance
pampering
hedonism

• noun (Context 2)

Something that is done or enjoyed as a special pleasure or luxury rather than a necessity.

Usage Example

"Buying fresh flowers every week is her favorite small luxury."

Strongest
luxury
treat
Strong
extravagance
splurge
frill

• noun (Context 3)

The state or attitude of being tolerant, lenient, or overly generous toward someone's weaknesses or desires.

Usage Example

"The grandparents viewed the children's noisy antics with fond leniency."

Strongest
leniency
tolerance
Strong
forbearance
patience
permissiveness
clemency

• noun (Context 4)

A grant by the pope in Roman Catholic theology of remission of the temporal punishment in purgatory still due for sins after absolution.

Usage Example

"The sale of papal indulgences became a central grievance that sparked the Protestant Reformation."

Strong
remission
dispensation

Opposites of indulgence

The opposite of indulgence shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

restraint
strictness
necessity
severity
abstinence
essential
moderation
self-denial
See all opposites of indulgence

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Indulgence. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/indulgence
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