patsy

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.

Three days later, he recanted that confession and spent the rest of his life professing his innocence, claiming that he was made a patsy for the real assassin, a man he called “Raoul.”

From Slate • Dec. 1, 2025

Again, the easiest marks are the ones who don't realize they're being set up as a patsy.

From Salon • Oct. 26, 2023

He is Gov. Alfred E. Smith of New York, a populist Democrat who is Moses’ patron and also, one begins to suspect, his patsy.

From New York Times • Oct. 26, 2022

After Mike Trout took exception to chin-level fastballs from Erik Swanson the night before, Angels interim manager decided to start right-hander Andrew Wantz on June 26 as an opener and a patsy.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 6, 2022

Without even perfunctory regrets at the man’s passing, he accused Luthuli of being a patsy of the white man, mainly on the grounds that the chief had accepted the Nobel Peace Prize.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela