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 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

Verb

When applied to the scalp, certain peptides can send signals that promote follicle function, extend the growth phase of the hair cycle, and strengthen the tissue surrounding the follicle.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026
Trump has also promoted the destruction of Iran's nuclear facilities and navy, and the reduction in missile and drone capabilities, as measures of success.

— Bart Jansen, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of promote

Verb

The college apologized for concerns raised by the comments, and later Monday, EMCC announced Rice’s promotion.

— Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
The mere possibility of losing its critical space assets in a surprise attack could push the United States to use its forces early or to delegate launch authority in ways that raise the risk of an accident, to avoid the devastating consequences.

— Jeffrey Lewis, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of raise

Verb

By taking stem cells from a host’s own body and encouraging them to differentiate before mixing them with a commercially available, soluble matrix gel, researchers may have cracked the most critical problems in the transplant process.

— Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
The bark can also be stripped from the branch, called girdling, which encourages faster root growth.

— Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of encourage

Verb

Establishing and nurturing a robust professional relationship map—comprising sponsors, mentors, allies and followers—enhances professional impact and reputation, both critical to accessing new opportunities.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Children’s imaginations and intellect should be nurtured rather than broken.

— Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of nurture

Verb

For leaders, cultivating an environment where people actively seek out and fill these gaps is what separates adaptive companies from stagnant ones.

— Stacy L. Hambleton, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
For years, the British American brothers cultivated the image that laws did not apply to them even as legal troubles mounted in the UK, Romania and the US.

— Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of cultivate

Verb

Ocean-going seabirds feed at sea, return to the cliffs to breed, their guano transporting marine nutrients onto land and fertilizing the ground below.

— Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Love emphasized that a week of partying and art viewing on the playa can breed ferocity.

— Henry Alford, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of breed

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 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of foster

verb

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