Phony WSJ Crossword Clue

By Last Update: FEB 18, 2026 Follow on Google

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Clue

The most common and recent 6-letter answer for "Phony" is ERSATZ.
The word 'ersatz' is used to describe something that is a substitute or imitation, often implying it's of inferior quality. 'Phony' suggests something that is not genuine, aligning with the idea of an imitation or substitute.
Ersatz means being an artificial and usually inferior substitute or imitation.
Faux, Bogus, Not genuine
WSJ Crossword - November 29, 2025 - WSJ Crossword - February 18, 2026

The clue “Phony” is a classic crossword staple, frequently appearing in puzzles like the WSJ crossword. For the puzzle dated February 18 2026, the definitive 6-letter answer is: ERSATZ.

Expert Tip: When you’re stuck, try to analyze the structure of the clue itself. Is it a direct definition, a pun, a fill-in-the-blank, or a pop culture reference? Identifying the type of clue you’re dealing with is a key skill for improving your solving speed.

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