42 Down

NYT Daily ? September 18, 2025

Kind of illusion

Answer:

OPTICAL

Hint:

This type of trickery plays with how your eyes and brain interpret light and perspective, often making static images seem to move.

Explanation:

The clue "Kind of illusion" points to "OPTICAL" because it describes a type of illusion that tricks the eyes—like when lines appear uneven or colors seem to shift. The word "optical" specifically refers to visual perception, making it a direct fit. No wordplay here, just a straightforward definition.

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General solving tip

Short grid glue often mirrors map or address abbreviations (ENE, AVE, ST). If the clue looks abbreviated, the answer probably is too.

More tips → General Hints