At a Glance
- The NYT Mini Crossword for Jan. 27, 2026 is fully solved.
- Across answers include SCARF, HUMOR, IMPLY, NILE, ENE.
- Down answers include SHINE, CUMIN, AMPLE, ROLE, FRY.
- Why it matters: Fans can check their answers against the official solutions and improve daily puzzle play.
The NYT Mini Crossword released on Jan. 27, 2026 offers a quick, daily crossword challenge. The puzzle features a compact grid with both across and down clues. Readers can use the provided answers to confirm their own solutions or to learn new words.
Puzzle Overview
The crossword is a daily offering from the New York Times, and the mini version is shorter than the full crossword. It is posted on the puzzle hints page maintained by News Of Los Angeles. The page also includes hints for other daily puzzles such as Wordle, Strands, Connections, and Connections: Sports Edition.
The grid for this edition contains five across clues and five down clues. Each clue is paired with its answer, which is listed in the article.
Across Clues and Answers
Below is a table of the across clues and their corresponding answers:
| Number | Clue | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1A | Bit of clothing for a snowman | SCARF |
| 6A | “___ is just another defense against the universe”: Mel Brooks | HUMOR |
| 7A | Say without saying | IMPLY |
| 8A | River whose basin spans 11 countries | NILE |
| 9A | Opposite of WSW | ENE |
Each answer fits the clue exactly. For instance, a scarf is a piece of clothing that a snowman might wear. The phrase “___ is just another defense against the universe” refers to humor, as noted by Mel Brooks. Saying something without saying it directly is to imply. The Nile River’s basin covers 11 countries, and the opposite direction of WSW on a compass is ENE.
Down Clues and Answers
The down clues are presented in a similar format. The table below lists them:
| Number | Clue | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1D | Excel | SHINE |
| 2D | Spice in curry powder | CUMIN |
| 3D | More than enough | AMPLE |
| 4D | Queen Elizabeth I or II, for Helen Mirren | ROLE |
| 5D | Cook in oil | FRY |
Each down answer matches its clue. Excel can mean to shine or excel in performance. Cumin is a spice commonly found in curry powder. Ample means more than enough. Helen Mirren played a role of Queen Elizabeth I or II in a film. To cook in oil is to fry.

How to Use These Answers
Readers who enjoy daily puzzles can use the answers to:
- Verify their own solutions after completing the grid.
- Learn new vocabulary words.
- Practice quick thinking for future puzzles.
The puzzle’s compact size makes it ideal for a quick mental workout during a coffee break or a short commute.
Key Takeaways
- The NYT Mini Crossword for Jan. 27, 2026 is fully solved and available on News Of Los Angeles‘s puzzle hints page.
- Across answers include SCARF, HUMOR, IMPLY, NILE, and ENE.
- Down answers include SHINE, CUMIN, AMPLE, ROLE, and FRY.
- The puzzle is a quick daily challenge that can improve word knowledge and problem-solving skills.
For more daily puzzle solutions and hints, visit News Of Los Angeles‘s NYT puzzle hints page. If you want to stay updated on puzzle solutions, add News Of Los Angeles as a preferred Google source.

