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
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
But in Indiana’s 114-109 win in Game 2, nobody on the Knicks, including Anunoby, had an answer for Siakam.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for answer for (something)
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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
But in Indiana’s 114-109 win in Game 2, nobody on the Knicks, including Anunoby, had an answer for Siakam.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 9 Jun. 2025.
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