answer for (something)

phrase

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

Booker had 15 first-half points, scoring mainly off midrange pull-ups but also using catch-and-shoot jumpers and getting to the line against the Wolverines, who had no answer for the first Team All-SEC honoree. — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026

But maybe the answer for the future isn’t one system, but multiple solutions. — Victoria Le, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2026

Mikayla Blakes ended up with two chances to answer for Vanderbilt in a matchup of two of the nation’s top three scorers in the Sweet 16. — Schuyler Dixon, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026

Texas had no answer for the star power of Dybantsa, but BYU had no answer for Voikietaitis, who had 15 points on 6-for-10 and 11 rebounds in the first half. — CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026