This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Sunday, June 21, 2026 (22 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Sunday puzzles are large (21 by 21) and themed, about as hard as a Wednesday or Thursday.
How to read this clue
The question mark warns of wordplay. Expect a pun or a second meaning rather than a straight definition.
Answer length: 4 squares
First letter
F _ _ _
First and last letters
F _ _ E
Show the answer
About the answer
FAKE as a word: Not real; false, fraudulent; Something which is not genuine, or is presented fraudulently.
FAKE has been an answer 4 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since February 13, 2026.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- Up to snuff (17 Across)
- All over the place (18 Across)
- Drove in an A.T.V., say, informally (19 Across)
- Verify, as an editor might (23 Across)
- Launch points in disc golf (25 Across)
- "Everything good?," as a cook might ask (28 Across)
- Laptop mode (29 Across)
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