care for
phrasal verb
cared for; caring for; cares for
1
: to do the things that are needed to help and protect (a person or animal) : look after (someone or something)
She cares for elderly patients.
Who is caring for your son while you are at work?
2
: to feel affection for (someone)
I got the feeling he never really cared for me.
3
somewhat formal
: to like or enjoy (something)
—often used in negative statements
I don't care for jelly beans.
I don't care for your tone of voice.
4
somewhat formal
: to want (something)
Would you care for some pie?
Examples of care for in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The national cost of caring for those with Alzheimer's and other dementias is projected to reach $384 billion in 2025 — up $24 billion from just a year ago, according to the Alzheimer's Association.
—
Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2025
An Alzheimer's Association report, released April 29, said the total annual cost of caring for people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia will reach $384 billion in 2025.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
The survey found that 30 percent of those with grandchildren under 18 care for one or more grandchildren at least once a week, while 8 percent provide daily or near-daily care.
—Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
Because right now, your whole family’s energy is going toward caring for your son.
—R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for care for
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2025
An Alzheimer's Association report, released April 29, said the total annual cost of caring for people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia will reach $384 billion in 2025.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
The survey found that 30 percent of those with grandchildren under 18 care for one or more grandchildren at least once a week, while 8 percent provide daily or near-daily care.
—Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
Because right now, your whole family’s energy is going toward caring for your son.
—R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for care for
Cite this Entry
“Care for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/care%20for. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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