This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, February 12, 2026 (45 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Thursday puzzles often have a trick, such as a rebus (several letters in one square) or answers that bend the rules.
Answer length: 6 squares
First letter
D _ _ _ _ _
First and last letters
D _ _ _ _ E
Show the answer
About the answer
DELUDE as a word: (transitive) To deceive into believing something which is false; to lead into error; to dupe; (transitive, obsolete) To frustrate or disappoint.
DELUDE has been an answer once in the NYT Crossword and Mini puzzles we have on file, which go back to October 23, 2025.
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