Each clue below can be changed into a (new) word by adding the same letter to the beginning and end of the clue letters. The letter is different for each clue, and the added letters, read downward, make a word as well.

_ OMI _

_ EVE _

_ ROM _

_ OAK _

_ ATC _

Answers:

COMIC

LEVEL

AROMA

SOAKS

HATCH

(Reading downward: CLASH)