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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O’Brien may also have to answer for his associations with Trump, whose popularity among members could fluctuate over the next 15 months. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025 Not everyone provided an answer for all 20 questions, but the 18 multiple-choice questions received at least 1,163 votes and the two write-in responses received at least 848. Jon MacHota, New York Times, 9 July 2025 But Royal Caribbean has an answer for that with its Royal Suite Class. Erica Silverstein, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025 Minnesota had no answer for Alyssa Thomas, who finished with 29 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 9 July 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 17 Jul. 2025.

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