Quick Answer
Clue: “Excel”
Answer: SHINE
Answer length: 5 letters
Clue number and direction: 1-Down
The New York Times crossword clue “Excel” is answered with SHINE, which fills all five squares of 1-Down in that day’s Mini grid.
Why SHINE Is the Right NYT Answer
- In everyday English, to shine means to excel or stand out, as in “She really shines in math,” which matches the clue’s sense of performing exceptionally well.
- Crossword clue databases routinely list SHINE as a primary 5-letter synonym for “Excel,” alongside entries like OUTDO and SURPASS.
- NYT Mini answer roundups for January 27, 2026 explicitly confirm SHINE as the solution to 1-Down, so it fits both the clue and the required length.
What SHINE Means in Plain English
- To shine can mean literally to give off light or to look bright, but figuratively it means to do extremely well at something, to excel. When you say someone “shines” in a role or subject, you’re saying they outperform others or show standout ability.
- Crossword editors love this dual sense light and excellence because it allows tight, one-word clues like “Excel” or “Be outstanding.”
Crossword-Specific Help for SHINE
- In the January 27 Mini, SHINE appears as S H I N E running downward from the top of the grid. As crossings fill, you might see patterns like S_INE, SH_NE, or _HINE, all of which point clearly to SHINE when the clue is “Excel.”
- Here, 1-Down intersects with across answers SCARF, HUMOR, IMPLY, NILE, and ENE, which supply reliable letters at each position and confirm the entry.
- SHINE is also a frequent answer in other crosswords (including Thomas Joseph and many daily puzzles) for clue lines like “Excel,” “Be outstanding,” or “Do very well.”
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
- For short clues like “Excel,” “Be outstanding,” “Do very well,” or “Stand out,” SHINE is a top 5-letter candidate.
- If you see S?INE or SHI_E with a performance-related clue, plug in SHINE and check crossings to confirm.
Remember that “Excel” can also clue OUTDO, SURPASS, or ACHIEVE, so always check letter count: SHINE is the neat 5-letter fit.
