sadistic

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.

Even the snobbiest TV snoots can’t resist Alan Cumming as the playfully sadistic laird of Ardross Castle, emceeing what is essentially a closed circle murder mystery.

From Salon • Jan. 15, 2026

He self-referentially calls himself “that sadistic letter-abuser, Douglas R. Hofstadter,” and there is indeed a lot of vigorous torquing of serifs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 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

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

At the same time, I wasn’t so sadistic that I’d inflict any more of my loser-boy routine on Faith, either.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx