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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Phoenix again proved to have no answer for Minnesota’s defensive physicality nor offensive firepower as the Wolves cruised to a 124-109 victory. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2025 And not to answer for Grant, but this was his journey. Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 25 Mar. 2025 Grand Canyon really had no answer for Reese and Derik Queen in the paint. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 21 Mar. 2025 The Brit had no answer for Sabalenka, who won all six of the following games to take a set lead. Staff and News Service Reports, Orange County Register, 13 Mar. 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 15 Apr. 2025.

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