Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

sadistic

[suh-dis-tik, say-, sa-] / səˈdɪs tɪk, seɪ-, sæ- /
ADJECTIVE
cruel, perverted
Synonyms
Antonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

‘The Swan’ was a spectacle called cruel and sadistic, but former contestants don’t really see it that way.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 22, 2026

Kennedy has a real talent for taking reactionary, often sadistic ideas and reframing them to sound compassionate and therapeutic.

From Salon ● May 18, 2026

He said a whole-life tariff could only be given in sadistic or sexual cases, those involving abduction or a high level of premeditation.

From BBC ● Feb. 27, 2026

And no wonder: You needn’t work at a fashion magazine to relate to having a sadistic boss like Meryl Streep’s character in “The Devil Wears Prada.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 29, 2025

Grinning this sadistic grin, Gary Drake swung my Adidas bag.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell




Vocabulary lists containing sadistic


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember new words for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com