Pattern: Puzzle words that are parts of the same thing or process

Step 1: Identify two puzzle words that are each parts of the same thing or process. This is a New York Times puzzle, so unique, subtle connections between puzzle words are more likely to be correct than simple and obvious connections. As precisely as possible, describe how the puzzle words are parts of the same thing or process.

Examples from prior puzzles:

Puzzle words that are each parts of a car: BUMPER HOOD TIRE TRUNK
Puzzle words that are each cuts of pork: BELLY CHOP HOCK SHOULDER
Puzzle words that are each seen in a laundry room: DRYER HAMPER IRON WASHER
Puzzle words that are each sections of a book: APPENDIX CHAPTER INDEX PREFACE
Puzzle words that are each things used to build a snowman: CARROT COAL SNOW STICKS
Puzzle words that are each parts of a golf course: BUNKER FAIRWAY GREEN ROUGH
Puzzle words that are each pinball machine components: BALL BUMPER FLIPPER PLUNGER
Puzzle words that are each parts of a shoe: EYELET LACE SOLE TONGUE
Puzzle words that are each parts of a river: BANK BED DELTA MOUTH
Puzzle words that are each in the nato alphabet: ALFA BRAVO ROMEO TANGO

Step 2: See if other puzzle words can share that connection by being part of the same thing or process. Try to arrive at a group of four puzzle words that are each parts of the same thing or process. This is a New York Times puzzle, so unique, subtle connections are more likely to be correct than simple and obvious connections. If you can’t identify a group of four puzzle words that are each parts of the same thing or process, start over at Step 1.
