The same letters, in the same order, can replace the * in each clue to make a common word.

1. LA*
2. TH*
3. BL*
4. GRO*
5. HOMER*BY

HINTS:
#1: The * stands for five letters.
#2: The first of the letters is U.

Answers:

The * can be replaced by UNDER to form new words:

1. LAUNDER
2. THUNDER
3. BLUNDER
4. GROUNDER
5. HOME RUN DERBY

Credit:
Jinx Davidson
WHAT LIES BENEATH