as in brutal
having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others
the troubled youth is being treated by a psychotherapist for his sadistic urges to hurt animals
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Recent Examples of sadistic
But at night, he was described as a sadistic killer who hunted for victims, offering to take their photograph before killing them.
—
Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Based on Haro Aso's manga of the same name, the Japanese sci-fi thriller takes viewers to a twisted version of Tokyo where players must survive sadistic games, each related to a suit from a deck of cards.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Sep. 2025
Likewise, early hints at darker character flaws — like that Edward might become drunk on power or that Rafferty might have a sadistic streak — tend to dissipate as the characters grow or deepen.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
White has dreamed up some very strange and sadistic drills.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sadistic
Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Based on Haro Aso's manga of the same name, the Japanese sci-fi thriller takes viewers to a twisted version of Tokyo where players must survive sadistic games, each related to a suit from a deck of cards.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Sep. 2025
Likewise, early hints at darker character flaws — like that Edward might become drunk on power or that Rafferty might have a sadistic streak — tend to dissipate as the characters grow or deepen.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
White has dreamed up some very strange and sadistic drills.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sadistic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sadistic
Adjective
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For more than 40 years, the person responsible for the brutal rape and murder of a 16-year-old girl on Long Island has eluded capture.—
Lauren del Valle,
CNN Money,
16 Oct. 2025
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Behind him, officials key to his brutal rule made a mass exodus, virtually undetected.—
Danny Makki,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In Dahl’s original story, the Muggle-Wumps are clever and resourceful, using their smarts to turn the tables on their cruel captors.—
Jane LaCroix,
PEOPLE,
18 Oct. 2025
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On the page, these serve to paint him in a monstrous light following his abandonment by his egotistical and cruel creator, Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac).—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Those stiffed in this initial round are rendered unable to meet their own bills and a vicious cycle ensues.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
19 Oct. 2025
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In Black Phone 2, McGraw has been upgraded to the de facto lead actor, and Gwen’s foul-mouthed takedowns are even more vicious.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The ensuing carnage was swift and savage.—
Paul Solotaroff,
Rolling Stone,
12 Oct. 2025
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Near the end of Robert Altman’s savage showbiz satire, Roberts appears briefly as herself, playing a part in a movie-within-a-movie about a woman on death row.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Zimmer also received an Emmy nod for her portrayal of ruthless executive Quinn King on Unreal (2015–2018).—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
17 Oct. 2025
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And in short stories and doorstops, her attention is ruthless and unflinching.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
16 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sadistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sadistic. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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