answer for (something)

idiom

: 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.

: to be punished for (something)

He must answer for his crimes.

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

He is scheduled to go before a judge to answer for the charges Monday, Feb. 24 at the federal courthouse in Miami. —

David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 12 Feb. 2025 But Musk had much to answer for on his recent fourth-quarter earnings call—not least that in 2024, Tesla’s car sales had sunk for the first time in a decade. —

Patrick George, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2025 Guarding Zion Williamson The Kings had no answer for Zion Williamson in Saturday’s win over the Pelicans. —

Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 12 Feb. 2025 The Warriors had no answer for Damian Lillard, who scored 38 on 12-for-20 shooting, but nevertheless closed out the Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Bucks by taking control of the fourth quarter in a 125-111 win. —

Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for answer for (something)

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“Answer for (something).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/answer%20for%20%28something%29. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

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