foster

verb

Definition of fosternext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of foster Training programs exist to help people foster new searches from a larger pool. — Evan Edwards, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 On Facebook, discussion groups foster the feeling of a countercultural underground. — Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 During her tenure at NASA, Roman fostered support in the science community and funding from Congress for what became Hubble. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 Across administrations, both military leaders and career civilians have sought to foster a culture of respect throughout the armed forces. — Andrea N. Goldstein, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for foster
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foster
  1. promote
  2. raise
  3. encourage
  4. nurture
  5. cultivate
  6. breed
Verb
  • The most important step countries can collectively take is to promote innovation.
    — Anna Nelson, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026
  • But it is increasingly shaped by what’s happening on the other side of the country, in Washington, where the federal government is working to slow the transition to EVs and promote a fossil fuel future for America.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of promote
Verb
  • My hope is that with so much talk about affordability and economic growth, a voter or two would raise a hand and ask about price controls and credit-card caps.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The injury was raised again during a frantic final 24 hours of the transfer window when Crystal Palace emerged as rival suitors for Fofana.
    — Michael Walker, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of raise
Verb
  • Bunch said that one of his goals in the head role was to encourage Americans to embrace ambiguity and recognize that America is a complicated, multifaceted nation.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The stated purpose would be to encourage more people to fill out the forms without fear of having their privacy violated.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of encourage
Verb
  • Although security needs to be nurtured year-round, the High Holidays offer a timely reason to review these best practices and improve the habits that keep our organizations safe in the weeks ahead and throughout the year.
    — Richard Priem, Sun Sentinel, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Steinem has encouraged generations to nurture their relationships and build community.
    — Sara Noelle Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of nurture
Verb
  • Nvidia made the investments to enhance its growth opportunities, cultivate its ecosystem and strengthen its competitive position, the company said in its earnings.
    — Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Another novel where the author explores how to cultivate the mind, body, home, and social circle in order to propagate creativity, and wonders what happens when any or all elements become fallow or diseased.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of cultivate
Verb
  • Additionally, bugs tend to breed more often in warmer temperatures, said Dietrich.
    — Elena Tittel, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
  • There are several types of dogs that were originally bred for work, making these breeds excellent hiking partners.
    — Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of breed

Browse Nearby Words

fossils
foster
fosterage
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Cite this Entry

“Foster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foster. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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