The following word pairs have something in common. Can you determine what it is?

1. VALE - SCENT
2. SIDE - RATION
3. SOLID - ATE
4. FOR - MIST
5. SCRIPT - ION
6. SON - ANT

HINT:
All of the word pairs must be combined in some way with the same three-letter word.

Answer:

Running the two words in each pair together and preceding the result with CON,  gives you new words:

1. CONVALESCENT
2. CONSIDERATION
3. CONSOLIDATE
4. CONFORMIST
5. CONSCRIPTION
6. CONSONANT 

Credit: GAMES Magazine
June, 1984
Carlene Stroup
CON GAME