NYT Mini · 7-Across · 5 letters
Avid war advocates NYT Mini crossword clue
Editorially reviewed September 9, 2026
Answer · 5 letters
HAWKS
HAWKS is the five-letter plural in this clue. War advocates identifies people, so hawk is being used figuratively rather than naming a bird. The final S matches the plural noun advocates.
Different crossing letters? Check another fit →A bird name used for a position
Merriam-Webster records hawk for someone taking a militant or combative attitude, especially a supporter of warlike policy. The clue therefore uses a metaphor for an advocate, not a claim about the behavior of literal birds. This explains both war and the plural advocates.
Do not mix the other meanings
Doves is the contrasting figurative term associated with a less confrontational approach. Hawks can also be a verb meaning sells or peddles, but that would answer an action clue. Here advocates is a plural noun, so HAWKS names the people.
References behind this explanation
These references support the meaning or background; they are not publisher endorsements.
Where this clue appeared
7-Across in NYT Mini puzzle for September 9, 2026.
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