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

After all, she played the role of the getaway driver when he fled the process server last year, so clearly she's got a history of being a willing patsy for her husband's shady behavior.

From Salon • Sep. 7, 2023

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

Games like this are designed to inspire dreams, the destruction of a nonconference patsy generating optimism for what’s ahead.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 3, 2022

Had Henry intended to make me the patsy if his plan had fallen through?

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt