Pattern: Puzzle words that each relate to the same thing

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

Examples from prior puzzles:

Puzzle words that each relate to “Happy New Year!”: BALL COUNTDOWN FIREWORKS KISS
Puzzle words that each refer to things you can do to your nose: BLOW HOLD PICK THUMB
Puzzle words that each relate to “Oomph”: ENERGY FIRE JUICE ZIP
Puzzle words that are things to blow on for wishes/luck: CANDLE DANDELION DICE EYELASH
Puzzle words that each relate to attraction: APPEAL CHARM DRAW PULL
Puzzle words that each relate to sound/hearing: ACOUSTIC AUDITORY HEARD SONIC
Puzzle words that each refer to things that are cinched in the middle: CORSET DIABOLO HOURGLASS WASP
Puzzle words that each refer to things you can set: MOOD RECORD TABLE VOLLEYBALL
Puzzle words that each relate to Italian demonyms: BOLOGNESE NEAPOLITAN PARMESAN VENETIAN
Puzzle words that each refer to spirals in nature: CYCLONE GALAXY SNAIL SUNFLOWER

Step 2: See if other puzzle words also relate to the same thing. Try to arrive at a group of four puzzle words that each relate to the same thing. 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 each relate to the same thing, start over at Step 1.
