Pattern: Puzzle words that can be synonymous. With this patten, each of the words must function as the same part of speech.

Step 1: Identify two puzzle words that can be synonyms. This is a New York Times puzzle, so unique, particular synonyms are more likely to be correct than generic and ubiquitous synonyms. As precisely as possible, describe how the two puzzle words can be synonymous.

Examples from prior puzzles:

Puzzle words that can each be a verb meaning “to follow”: SHADOW TAIL TRACK TRAIL
Puzzle words that can each be a verb meaning “to come down to rest”: PERCH ROOST SETTLE LAND
Puzzle words that can each be a noun meaning “something easy to do”: BREEZE CINCH PICNIC SNAP
Puzzle words that can each be a verb meaning “to wrap around in a circle”: COIL SPIRAL TWIST WIND
Puzzle words that can each be a verb meaning “to jump into the air”: BOUND LEAP SPRING VAULT
Puzzle words that can each be a verb meaning “to decline”: EBB FADE FLAG WANE
Puzzle words that can each be a verb meaning “to express”: AIR SPEAK STATE VOICE
Puzzle words that can each be an adjective meaning “enormous”: BIG GIANT GREAT HUGE
Puzzle words that can each be a verb meaning “to connect”: COUPLE HITCH LINK TIE
Puzzle words that can each be a verb meaning “to restrict”: CAP CHECK CURB LIMIT

Step 2: See if other puzzle words can also be synonymous with the puzzle words you’ve identified. Try to arrive at a group of four puzzle words that can be synonymous with each other. This is a New York Times puzzle, so unique, particular synonyms are more likely to be correct than generic and ubiquitous synonyms. If you can’t identify a group of four puzzle words that can be synonymous, start over at Step 1.
