120 Across

NYT Daily • August 3, 2025

False

Answer:

MOCK

Hint:

["Hint: \"It can describe a test that isn't real.\"\n\nThis hint points toward the word \"mock\" by referencing a common usage (e.g., \"mock exam\") without directly stating the answer or repeating the original clue. It nudges the solver toward the idea of something being fake or imitative."]

Explanation:

The clue "False" leads to the answer "MOCK" through a straightforward synonym relationship. "Mock" is a word that means to imitate or mimic something in a false or insincere way, often with the intent to deceive or ridicule. In this context, "false" is directly synonymous with "mock," as both words can describe something that is not genuine or authentic. Additionally, "mock" can function as a verb (to mock someone) or an adjective (a mock exam), reinforcing its connection to the idea of falsity or imitation. There isn’t any complex wordplay or cultural reference here—just a clear and direct synonym link between the clue and the answer.