Synonyms

answer to

Idioms

Explain or justify something to someone, as in If Mary doesn't help us finish this project, she'll have to answer to the boss. This expression was at first used mainly for replying to legal charges. [c. a.d. 950]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Maybe the answer to slumping sales and customer fatigue isn’t splashy, headline-grabbing hires or empty collabs.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

The Future Combat Air System was intended to be the three countries’ answer to the most recent U.S.,

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

“Another Dimension” is his answer to the years of rejection, pain and incandescent ire, but transmuted into a vibrant, avant-garde, genre-defying gaping wound found within 11 tight tracks.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2026

I guess that would be my answer to that.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

"And for Ishtar's sake, be careful. If you fail to care for this properly, you will have me to answer to!"

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023