All 16 words, sorted alphabetically. Group them into four categories of four.
The four category names, easiest to hardest. No words revealed yet.
Theme name plus one word from each category.
EASY ANSWER, MAGIC WAND, PANACEA, and SILVER BULLET all refer to a quick or simple fix to a complex problem — a cure-all or instant remedy.
ECLIPSE, GREEN CHEESE, TIDE, and WEREWOLF are all traditionally associated with the moon — lunar eclipses, the old saying the moon is made of green cheese, tidal pull, and werewolves transforming under a full moon.
BOOT, IRON, THIMBLE, and TOP HAT were all original tokens (playing pieces) in the classic Monopoly board game.
CHEESE (Monterey Jack), DONKEY (Jackass), PLAYING CARD (the Jack face card), and SOCKET (a jack/socket for plugs) are all things the word 'Jack' can refer to.