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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.

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

Over his long career, Hackman won Academy Awards for portrayals of an obsessed undercover narcotics cop in “The French Connection” and a sadistic Western sheriff in “Unforgiven.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2025

Another Oscar for best supporting actor came in 1991 for Unforgiven - a Clint Eastwood Western - in which he played a sadistic sheriff, Bill Daggett.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2025

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

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson




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