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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.

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

The police union called for her ouster, writing on Facebook: “The first rule of toddler fight club is … that you prosecute the sadistic promoters of toddler fight club.”

From Salon • Oct. 11, 2023

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

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell




Vocabulary lists containing sadistic


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