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sadistic

[suh-dis-tik, sey-, 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.

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

From Salon • May 18, 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

The veteran actress has often done terrific work by going small, her breakthrough coming as a Jewish maid prized by Ralph Fiennes’ sadistic Nazi in 1993’s “Schindler’s List.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 9, 2025

IndieWire's David Ehrlich described the original footage as "so hypnotically sadistic" that the newer material struggles to compete with it.

From BBC • Jun. 14, 2024

Because I outsmarted his sadistic Hunger Games, made the Capitol look foolish, and consequently undermined his control.

From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins




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