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
Recent Examples on the Web
The buying boom early in the pandemic is one answer for why so many people aren’t paying the going rate.
—
Alex Harring, CNBC, 13 July 2024
Like his unpopular British and French incumbent counterparts, Biden also has to answer for high inflation, higher taxes, increasing national debt, persistent crime, and significant national and institutional decline.
—Aron Solomon, Newsweek, 9 July 2024
But Buttagieg would also have to answer for air traffic, highway and other controversies during his tenure.
—David Lightman, Sacramento Bee, 8 July 2024
An answer for a growing number of Black people to this issue is to grow their own fare.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 6 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for answer for (something) 
Alex Harring, CNBC, 13 July 2024
Like his unpopular British and French incumbent counterparts, Biden also has to answer for high inflation, higher taxes, increasing national debt, persistent crime, and significant national and institutional decline.
—Aron Solomon, Newsweek, 9 July 2024
But Buttagieg would also have to answer for air traffic, highway and other controversies during his tenure.
—David Lightman, Sacramento Bee, 8 July 2024
An answer for a growing number of Black people to this issue is to grow their own fare.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 6 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for answer for (something)
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'answer for (something).' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near answer for (something)
Cite this Entry
“Answer for (something).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/answer%20for%20%28something%29. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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