patsy

noun

pat·​sy ˈpat-sē How to pronounce patsy (audio)
plural patsies
Synonyms of patsy
: a person who is easily manipulated or victimized : pushover

Synonyms of patsy

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Examples of patsy in a Sentence

They treated us like a bunch of patsies. an Internet newbie who's the perfect patsy for a cyber scam
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The president has argued that Cornyn is a patsy for the Democrats. — Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026 He was often portrayed as a DOGE patsy, perhaps even a fool. — Eli Hager, ProPublica, 8 Sep. 2025 The same prime minister who exaggerates his power is also fine with being portrayed as the patsy of more influential actors. — Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 10 Nov. 2025 Massachusetts citizens are not patsies with wallets. — Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for patsy

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from Italian pazzo fool

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of patsy was in 1899

Browse Nearby Words

patroonship
patsy
patt
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Patsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patsy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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