Thesaurus

foster

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of foster

1 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 of foster

advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, further, incubate, nourish, nurse, nurture, promote

Words Related to foster

advocate, back, champion, endorse (also indorse), support, uphold

endow, finance, fund, patronize, stake, subsidize, underwrite

abet, aid, assist

advertise, boost, plug, publicize, tout

agitate (for), campaign (for), work (for)

Near Antonyms of foster

ban, bar, enjoin, forbid, interdict, outlaw, prevent, prohibit, proscribe

repress, snuff (out), squash, squelch, stifle, subdue, suppress

arrest, check, halt, retard

encumber, fetter, hobble, impede, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle

Antonyms of foster

discourage, frustrate, hinder, inhibit

2 to bring to maturity through care and education

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

Synonyms of foster

breed, bring up, nourish, nurse, raise, rear

Words Related to foster

attend, care (for), cradle, cultivate, mind, minister (to), nurture, watch

discipline, educate, instruct, mentor, school, teach, train, tutor

edify, enlighten, indoctrinate

feed, provide (for), supply

advance, forward, further, promote

direct, guide, lead, shepherd, show

Near Antonyms of foster

abuse, ill-treat, ill-use, maltreat, mishandle, mistreat

ignore, neglect

harm, hurt, injure

Learn More about foster

See words that rhyme with foster Dictionary: Definition of foster Spanish Central: Translation of foster Nglish: Translation of foster for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of foster for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up foster? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

thwart

play

to oppose successfully

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games