Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

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.

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

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

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

Their sadistic giggling irritated me almost as much as the nickname.

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson




Vocabulary lists containing sadistic


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

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

Take me to Vocabulary.com