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

Hobbs also suggested that the teenager’s mother, Marcee Gray, bore more responsibility than his client for fostering his obsession with school shooters. — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 30 July 2026

The true impact of AI lies in empowering patients between visits, offering answers and fostering preparedness, rather than fundamentally transforming the doctor's appointment itself. — Amy Shoenthal, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Professor Burge says that the framers, specifically Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, refused to allow the establishment of a state religion, and that fostered a more resilient democratic system and greater tolerance for differences. — Scott Baldauf, Christian Science Monitor, 29 July 2026

These conditions fostered successful organizing efforts by the UMWA in Mingo. — Elijah Tanall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026