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
Four were from the Bundesliga but none had an answer for Arminia’s waspish pressing, their lightning-quick counter attacks, and their coaching staff’s exhaustive preparation and tactical dexterity.
—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 22 May 2025
So throwing more regulations and oversight at charter schools as AB 84 requires is the answer for districts that didn’t do their jobs?
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
There’s always been such a part of me that wants to believe that there is an answer for me, that there is a community or happiness waiting.
—Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
The Cavaliers had no answer for Indiana’s blistering offense and their hopes were further dashed when star guard Donovan Mitchell was forced to sit out the entire second half with an ankle injury.
—Matias Grez, CNN Money, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for answer for (something)
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Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 22 May 2025
So throwing more regulations and oversight at charter schools as AB 84 requires is the answer for districts that didn’t do their jobs?
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
There’s always been such a part of me that wants to believe that there is an answer for me, that there is a community or happiness waiting.
—Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
The Cavaliers had no answer for Indiana’s blistering offense and their hopes were further dashed when star guard Donovan Mitchell was forced to sit out the entire second half with an ankle injury.
—Matias Grez, CNN Money, 12 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 30 May. 2025.
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