What do the following word have in common that has nothing to do with their meanings?

1. MEDIAN

2. ACHING

3. WARD

4. UPON

5. ZEN

 

HINT:

The same two letters can either precede, be inserted in, or follow the clue words to make new words. 

 

Answer:

 

The letters CO can precede each clue word to make a new one:

1. COMEDIAN

2. COACHING

3. COWARD

4. COUPON

5. COZEN (to deceive)

 

Credit:

1-2: The Enigma 

        November, 2020

        QOZ