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

Slaughter emphasized the importance of each boy having his own room to foster individuality, a sense of ownership, and to learn responsibility through daily tasks. — Rashad Williams, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Dubbed Sister Sister, the initiative aims to foster sisterhood and togetherness with women working across professions and disciplines in film and television. — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026

Despite notable achievements in reducing deforestation and directing resources to foster ecological investments, the government has often struggled to counter a conservative Congress where agribusiness interests wield significant influence. — ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026

In the finale, Rhaenyra shed nearly every ounce of goodwill fostered during the season by facilitating the murder of the High Septon and very publicly announced her place as the Prince Who Was Promised. — Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026