Things are getting a bit puzzly...
Reveal the Ladder and solve the clues to form a Word Ladder.
Find the word that fits in the clue “???”.
One fake clue is here to ruin your day [laughs wickedly]
$\color{white}{\textsf{3}}$S$\color{white}{\textsf{1}}$N$\color{white}{\textsf{T}}$A$\color{white}{\textsf{a}}$K$\color{white}{\textsf{9}}$E$\color{white}{\textsf{6}}$S$\color{white}{\textsf{Z}}$
Note:
All words are of the same length and the altered letter in each round is different.
Hint:
All clues are given with the correct form/ tense as the intended answer
This puzzle is a part of Ooohh, it all makes sense now! :D