FOSTER Synonyms: 116 Similar and Opposite Words

foster

verb

Definition of foster

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

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

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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 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 See All Example Sentences for foster

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foster

Verb

Perhaps Patrick Dorgu should stay on the left, but given United would be expected to have much more of the ball against promoted Hull next Saturday, Matheus Cunha would likely get in there for his attacking flair.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Wrangler and Lee owner Kontoor Brands has promoted Joseph Alkire to president and chief financial officer.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of promote

Verb

The lawmakers argue profiting off the suffering of others is wrong, while also raising concerns that wildfire betting could create a dangerous financial incentive.

— Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
On Monday, passengers aboard Delta flight 591 going from Las Vegas to Atlanta allegedly spoofed the onboard Wi-Fi, raising the attention of federal law enforcement.

— Cyrus Farivar, ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of raise

Verb

Separating students from those pressures for several hours could encourage face-to-face conversation and give overwhelmed teenagers a genuine break.

— Kavin Bendre, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Protecting elections and encouraging thoughtful voting is imperative to retake control of our government.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of encourage

Verb

Since the 12th century London's guilds have nurtured generations of artisans, preserving skills while allowing each craft to evolve with every new era.

— Divia Thani, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
Career strength is one aspect, and such capabilities also are emerging within startups being nurtured within Y Combinator.

— Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of nurture

Verb

The courses, Cristerna said, would have been useful in learning how to negotiate brand deals, maximize monetization opportunities and cultivate and keep an audience.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Newly interested in landscape design, Kim’s mother also cultivated the property’s garden, grooming its old red pine tree and planting the grounds with tulips, chrysanthemums, and daisies.

— Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of cultivate

Browse Nearby Words

fossils

foster

fosterage

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“Foster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foster. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of foster

verb

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