OVERLAPS II

Credit: LA Times Crossword
May 16, 2008
Robert H. Wolfe
ADDITION ALTERATION (adapted)

[This puzzle can be done on two levels. In both cases, the answers consist of two words which can be combined, with an overlapping letter, to make a new word. In the harder clues below, the newly formed word is clued using wordplay. In the easier clues, the two words which make up the new word are clued.]

Harder clues:
1. Unwritten things to do
2. Magical circle
3. Middle of de apple - fee
4. Put off - tear one's clothes, as in grief

Easier clues:
1. Related to the mind - Shopping or bucket
2. Ponder - Wedding or fire, for two
3. Interior furnishing -speed
4. Vary - Monthly payment

Answers:

Harder clues:
1. MENTA(L)IST
2. WONDE(R)ING
3. DECO(R)ATE
4. DEFE(R)ENT...........DIFFE(R)ENT   

Easier clues:
1. MENTAL + LIST = MENTA(L)IST
2. WONDER + RING = WONDE(R)ING
3. DECOR + RATE = DECO(R)ATE
4. DIFFER + RENT = DIFFE(R)ENT