NY Times Crossword
October 17, 2002
Todd McClary

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

FUR
TED
SPEC
STUD

HINT:
The same four letters will change each word into a new one.

Answer:

The letters IOUS can be added to each word to make new ones:

FURIOUS
TEDIOUS
SPECIOUS
STUDIOUS 

NOTE: See also post on 11/18/16 - similar puzzle by Clare Hansbrough