foster crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "foster". We aim to provide you with the perfect answer, no matter the length, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "foster crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
REAR: To bring up and educate a child or young animal.
5 Letters
NURSE: To care for and protect (something or someone young or developing).
7 Letters
CHERISH: To protect and care for someone or something lovingly.
PROMOTE: To support or actively encourage (a cause, venture, etc.); further the progress of.
NURTURE: To care for and encourage the growth or development of.
9 Letters
CULTIVATE: To develop a skill, quality, or relationship over a period of time.
ENCOURAGE: To give support, confidence, or hope to (someone).
More About "foster crossword clue"
The word "foster" in crossword clues often points to its verb meanings, revolving around the themes of nurturing, development, and support. It can imply providing care, bringing up a child, or actively encouraging the growth of an idea or skill. This versatility means that answers can range from direct synonyms like NURTURE and REAR to more abstract concepts like PROMOTE or CULTIVATE.
When you encounter "foster" in a crossword, consider the context of the puzzle. Is it looking for a word related to parental care, or perhaps the fostering of a talent or a relationship? The length of the answer box is, of course, your primary guide, but understanding these nuanced meanings can help you quickly narrow down the possibilities and arrive at the correct solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: Always start by checking the number of letters in the answer slot. This immediately eliminates many possibilities for "foster" and helps you focus on answers like REAR (4 letters) versus CULTIVATE (9 letters).
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For clues like "foster," think of its various synonyms (nurture, rear, promote, encourage) but also briefly consider its opposite (neglect, hinder) in case the clue is negatively phrased or a misdirection.
- Look at Surrounding Clues: Sometimes, the letters you get from intersecting words are the biggest clue. Even if you're stuck on "foster," solving adjacent clues can reveal letters that complete the word for you.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "foster" typically mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, "foster" most commonly refers to 'to care for and protect', 'to bring up', 'to encourage', or 'to promote'. It often leads to answers like NURTURE, REAR, PROMOTE, or ENCOURAGE, focusing on its verb meanings of development and support.
How can I find synonyms for "foster" quickly for crosswords?
Beyond dictionary lookups, consider the context of the puzzle. Does 'foster' relate to raising children, developing ideas, or promoting a cause? Thinking about these nuances can narrow down the potential synonyms like NURSE, CHERISH, CULTIVATE, or SPONSOR, depending on the exact intended meaning.
Are there common traps when solving clues like "foster"?
A common trap is mistaking 'foster' for its adjective form (e.g., foster child, foster home), rather than its verb form, which is more typical in clues. Also, some synonyms might fit only specific contexts, so always check surrounding letters and other clues for consistency.