as in cruelty
disposition to willfully inflict pain and suffering on others
a troubled youth with a streak of sadism in him
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Recent Examples of sadism
Examining the real reasons for this is less fun—and, for many, less profitable—than imagining that Hollywood is a front for ritualistic sadism.
—
Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 3 June 2025
Zephyr’s girlboss attitude doesn’t offset any of the sadism.
—Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 17 May 2025
Still, weapon damage lacks spice — the over-the-top comic sadism and gore that made DOOM Eternal a constant joy is muted.
—Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
O’Brian emphasizes the value of the partnership by focusing—with humor that can verge on sadism—on his characters’ individual weaknesses, rather than their strengths.
—Olivia Wolfgang-Smith
february 4, Literary Hub, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sadism
Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 3 June 2025
Zephyr’s girlboss attitude doesn’t offset any of the sadism.
—Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 17 May 2025
Still, weapon damage lacks spice — the over-the-top comic sadism and gore that made DOOM Eternal a constant joy is muted.
—Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
O’Brian emphasizes the value of the partnership by focusing—with humor that can verge on sadism—on his characters’ individual weaknesses, rather than their strengths.
—Olivia Wolfgang-Smith
february 4, Literary Hub, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sadism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sadism
Noun
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Vasquez was charged with second-degree cruelty to juveniles and negligent homicide.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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But that tale of someone brought into a world that treated him with cruelty and contempt never left him.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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More Ethan Miller/Getty Images Their history is defined by brutality.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
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For a country still reckoning with the brutality of its dark past, the trial of several high ranking military officers in a civilian court is a singular achievement.—
Adriana Carranca,
Time,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sadism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sadism. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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