answer for (something)

idiom

1
: to take responsibility for (something)
I can't answer for their safety.
The company will have to answer for any damage done by its employees.
2
: to be punished for (something)
He must answer for his crimes.
3
US : to be used or serve as (something)
The old bucket answered for a sink.

Examples of answer for (something) in a Sentence

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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.
So, the Panthers had an answer for everything this night. Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2025 Siakam was smooth on the offensive end, hitting turnaround jumpers as New York looked for an answer for him. Shakeia Taylor, New York Times, 1 June 2025 Limitations to Keep in Mind In a world of expensive GLP-1 medications, a low-cost supplement for weight management sounds like a godsend—but experts say this research doesn’t necessarily mean collagen is the answer for doubling your weight loss goals. Sarah Garone, Health, 29 May 2025 Maybe the only answer for now is a patchwork of Plan B partial alternatives. Tamar Jacoby, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for answer for (something)

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Cite this Entry

“Answer for (something).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/answer%20for%20%28something%29. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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