foster

verb

Definition of fosternext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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 Clear explanations from insurers would foster trust and hope, helping patients and doctors feel more confident in their decisions. — Howard Wolinsky, STAT, 7 Oct. 2026 Many say conversations about Zionism and Israel remain fraught, that antisemitism sometimes rears its head, and that Harvard must push harder to foster free speech for all students. — Cameron Pugh, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Oct. 2026 That American Girl has helped foster an interest in the past while shaping futures is both undeniable and laudable. — Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026 The Boodega is also intended to foster community among spooky small companies. — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for foster
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foster
  1. promote
  2. raise
  3. encourage
  4. nurture
  5. cultivate
  6. breed
Verb
  • The group emphasized that its request isn't intended to promote robocalls.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The actor stopped by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to promote their latest film, Digger (and gamely participate in a cooking segment with Wishbone Kitchen).
    — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of promote
Verb
  • Hackers raised the temperature of refrigerators and freezers, sparking fires and causing food to spoil.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 13 Oct. 2026
  • People find collaborators over drinks, and someone reluctant to raise a hand in an auditorium might ask a question after a little social lubrication.
    — Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of raise
Verb
  • Unlike many spas that focus on the healing effects of treatments, Kamalaya goes much deeper, encouraging guests to explore more emotional issues in a safe space.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Still, Terry Strada, whose husband, Tom Strada, was killed in the attacks, said she was encouraged that more than 100 family members of 9/11 victims turned out and by the judges’ questions.
    — Tom Winter, NBC news, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of encourage
Verb
  • Parking was no more than $5 — that would be $10 today, after inflation — and the Dodgers nurtured the next generation of fans by offering free tickets to A students and a kids’ fan club that included six tickets for $2.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Brandon is looking for a nurturing family that can provide him with a sense of understanding and support.
    — The Star, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of nurture
Verb
  • Despite being a weird device with a black-and-white screen and a crank jutting out the side, the Playdate has managed to cultivate a strong and constantly growing library of games.
    — Andrew Webster, The Verge, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The plant is also widely cultivated as a fodder crop for livestock.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of cultivate
Verb
  • Avalo, which uses AI to naturally breed cotton that can adapt in the region it’s grown, then ships each order.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Research suggests that breeding for higher genetic merit has improved the amount of milk produced.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of breed

Browse Nearby Words

fossils
foster
fosterage
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Foster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foster. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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