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
Houston was simply without an answer for the electric, shifty guard who punished each and every defender that was put in his crosshairs.
—
Kelly Iko, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 2025
The Kaley shelter would provide a substantial answer for one of Orlando’s biggest and most difficult problems.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025
Balor had an answer for every big move Breakker tried.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Columbus struggled from the field in the first half and just didn’t have an answer for the Tatum fast break.
—Charles Baggarly and, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for answer for (something)
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Kelly Iko, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 2025
The Kaley shelter would provide a substantial answer for one of Orlando’s biggest and most difficult problems.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025
Balor had an answer for every big move Breakker tried.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Columbus struggled from the field in the first half and just didn’t have an answer for the Tatum fast break.
—Charles Baggarly and, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 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 1 Apr. 2025.
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