yellow group · The short answer
HOLD ONTO, AS A FEELING
Each puzzle word passes the same exact test. The four mappings show how the answer works.
To FOSTER a feeling is to encourage its growth or continued presence, rather than merely experiencing it.
To HARBOR a feeling is to hold it privately or continue to carry it, often for a considerable time.
To MAINTAIN a feeling is to preserve it in an existing state instead of allowing it to fade or change.
To NURSE a feeling is to tend it and let it develop, sometimes by repeatedly dwelling on or protecting it.
Why this group was difficult
- The verbs have concrete defaults
FOSTER, HARBOR and NURSE commonly suggest children, places or health care before they suggest an inner feeling. - MAINTAIN is broadly usable
MAINTAIN can pair with many things, so its general sense of keeping something present does not immediately identify the group. - The connection depends on an omitted object
The board does not state the feeling being held, leaving solvers to supply an emotional object for each verb.
How to spot this pattern next time
Test these words with an emotional noun such as resentment, hope or affection; all four can describe keeping that feeling active.
When several verbs seem related, compare the grammatical object they accept rather than relying only on their most common everyday image.
Four useful facts behind the group
- MAINTAIN includes the sense of keeping something in an existing state.
- FOSTER can mean promoting growth, development or continuation.
- HARBOR can describe continuing to hold a thought, feeling or attitude.
- NURSE can mean tending something carefully so it continues or develops.
Questions players ask
The details people search after seeing the group
What is the yellow group in the August 12, 2026 Connections puzzle?
The yellow group is HOLD ONTO, AS A FEELING: FOSTER, HARBOR, MAINTAIN and NURSE.
Why do FOSTER, HARBOR, MAINTAIN and NURSE go together?
Each verb can describe encouraging, preserving or continuing to hold an emotion or attitude.
What is the best clue for this Connections group?
Try supplying the name of a feeling after each verb and check whether the resulting phrase is natural.