| 100% | SHAMS | 5 | They aren't what they appear to be |
| 63% | PRETENDER | 9 | Person who isn't what they claim to be |
| 62% | SEEMEAFTERCLASS | 15 | "Your grades aren't what they should be" |
| 58% | ILLUSORY | 8 | Not what it appears to be |
| 55% | QUACKSLIKEADUCK | 15 | Appears to be just what it is |
| 55% | FLAKE | 5 | Person who can't be counted on to do what they say they will |
| 54% | FAKETIANS | 9 | Magnates who aren't as big a deal as they pretend to be? |
| 52% | COPILOT | 7 | What some say God is to them |
| 51% | ARM | 3 | What cyclists are supposed to use, but often don't, when they hang a left |
| 50% | LENGTHENS | 9 | What some mascara will appear to do to your lashes |
| 49% | SPIES | 5 | People who aren't what they seem |
| 49% | MERCYMERCYME | 12 | 1971 Top 10 song by 28-Across with the lyrics "Oh things ain't what they used to be, no no / Where did all the blue skies go?" (3 wds.) |
| 48% | NOGOS | 5 | They aren't going to happen |
| 48% | LARGEMOUTHBRASS | 15 | VIPs that always scream at you even though they appear to be official alloys of GA, FL, MS and AL? |
| 48% | SEEM | 4 | "Things are not always as they ___" (appear to be) |
| 48% | DIPLOMATIXGS | 12 | They aren't subject to customs inspection |
| 47% | OWLS | 4 | Birds that are "not what they seem," according to a "Twin Peaks" line |
| 46% | TRAILAWAY | 9 | What a speaker might do if nobody is listening to them |
| 46% | NOSTALGIA | 9 | It "isn't what it used to be," said Simone Signoret |
| 46% | MARE | 4 | The old gray one ain't what she used to be |
| 46% | BEGGARS | 7 | They can't be choosers, according to the saying |
| 46% | SEEM | 4 | "Things are not always what they ___" (appear) |
| 46% | APPLES | 6 | They can't be compared to oranges |
| 46% | ASEA | 4 | What landlubbers don't like to be |
| 46% | SEEM | 4 | Appear to be |
| 46% | SEEMSO | 6 | Appear to be |
| 46% | XXXX | 4 | Appear to be |
| 46% | SEEMS | 5 | Appears to be |
| 46% | SEEMED | 6 | Appeared to be |
| 46% | LOOKS | 5 | Appears to be |