foster crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "foster" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Let's find your solution!
Solutions for "foster crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
RAISE: To bring up a child or to promote the growth or development of something.
7 Letters
NURTURE: To care for and protect someone or something while they are growing. Synonymous with fostering growth.
PROMOTE: To further the progress of something, or to encourage its development.
CHERISH: To protect and care for someone or something lovingly, often referring to an idea or hope that is fostered.
BOLSTER: To support or strengthen something, often used in the context of fostering confidence or morale.
9 Letters
ENCOURAGE: To give support, confidence, or hope to someone or something. A direct action of fostering.
More About "foster crossword clue"
The clue "foster" is a versatile one in crosswords, often leading to multiple possible answers depending on the specific nuance the puzzle setter intends. At its core, "foster" implies nurturing, promoting, or bringing up. This can apply to children (as in 'foster parents'), ideas (fostering innovation), or even feelings (fostering hope).
When encountering this clue, consider the context of the puzzle. Is it a gentle clue about care, or a more active one about promoting an initiative? The surrounding letters in the grid and the number of spaces available are your best guides. Words like NURTURE and PROMOTE are frequently used due to their direct synonyms, while RAISE offers a more concise option. ENCOURAGE provides a longer, yet equally valid, interpretation of the clue's intent.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always count the spaces in the grid before anything else. This immediately narrows down your options significantly for clues like "foster."
- Consider Synonyms and Nuances: For a word like "foster," think broadly about its synonyms. Does it mean to raise (a child), promote (an idea), or encourage (a feeling)? Different synonyms will lead to different answers.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: Use any letters already filled in from intersecting clues. These are crucial for confirming or eliminating potential answers quickly.
- Think About Common Crossword Words: Many words appear repeatedly in crosswords. Over time, you'll start to recognize common answers for recurring clues or concepts, such as various synonyms for "foster."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different meanings of 'foster' in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'foster' commonly refers to nurturing, promoting, or encouraging growth, ideas, or people. It can also imply bringing up or raising a child, or supporting a cause or development.
How can I identify the correct 'foster' answer among multiple options?
To identify the correct answer, always check the number of letters required by the grid. Additionally, consider the surrounding letters already filled in, and the specific nuance of the clue – does it imply 'raise a child,' 'promote an idea,' or 'encourage a feeling'?
Are 'foster' and 'adopt' interchangeable in crossword clues?
While related, 'foster' and 'adopt' are not typically interchangeable in crosswords. 'Foster' implies providing care, often temporary or supportive, while 'adopt' signifies legally taking a child as one's own, or formally accepting an idea. Clues will usually distinguish between these.