Synonyms of foster

foster

verb

1

as in to promote

to help the growth or development of

the head librarian firmly declared that it is indeed the duty of local government to foster learning and a love of reading

Synonyms & Similar Words

• promote
• encourage
• cultivate
• nurture
• forward
• advance
• further
• nourish
• assist
• incubate
• support
• advocate
• nurse
• fund
• aid
• endorse
• uphold
• finance
• subsidize
• underwrite
• back
• advertise
• patronize
• champion
• endow
• boost
• work (for)
• publicize
• campaign (for)
• stake
• abet
• plug
• agitate (for)
• tout

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• prevent
• hinder
• discourage
• inhibit
• frustrate
• prohibit
• forbid
• enjoin
• outlaw
• proscribe
• oppose
• combat
• fight
• bar
• ban
• contend (with)
• stifle
• counter
• interdict
• suppress
• subdue
• repress
• retard
• battle
• check
• impede
• arrest
• interfere (with)
• halt
• obstruct
• squelch
• squash
• snuff (out)
• encumber
• hobble
• fetter
• shackle
• manacle

2

as in to raise

to bring to maturity through care and education

a greathearted couple fostering two adopted children as well as three more of their own

Synonyms & Similar Words

• raise
• nurture
• promote
• breed
• teach
• cultivate
• nourish
• educate
• nurse
• bring up
• mother
• feed
• watch
• cradle
• rear
• minister (to)
• attend
• mentor
• father
• school
• provide (for)
• instruct
• supply
• lead
• care (for)
• forward
• train
• prepare
• discipline
• indoctrinate
• further
• enlighten
• mind
• show
• edify
• guide
• advance
• direct
• tutor
• shepherd

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• abuse
• mistreat
• maltreat
• ignore
• neglect
• hurt
• harm
• injure
• mishandle
• ill-treat
• ill-use

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of foster

That was predated by a couple of decades by county plans and zoning measures designed to foster apartment construction along the route that are now producing significant new housing development. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026

Kelley and Tyler are currently fostering a sibling set — a baby boy and his sister. — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026

The Australians do provide a men’s and women’s singles berth for a player from the Asia-Pacific region, to foster development in less traditional tennis countries. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

These awards are vital for recognizing women's growing influence and challenging the industry's historical imbalance, fostering a more inclusive audio landscape. — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026