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
Even those who don’t care for the soda will love this sauce.
—
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2025
The sweater is made from a cashmere wool blend that’s plush, warm, and durable, but less precious and easier to care for than a style made entirely from the material.
—Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2025
Because of a physical job and a 10-pound lifting limit, normal activities were restricted, significantly limiting both household tasks and the ability to care for her children.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025
That should tug on our hearts since Willa’s worth caring for, but the emotional heft between dad and daughter gets muffled since there’s just not enough oxygen given to those scenes.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for care for
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Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2025
The sweater is made from a cashmere wool blend that’s plush, warm, and durable, but less precious and easier to care for than a style made entirely from the material.
—Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2025
Because of a physical job and a 10-pound lifting limit, normal activities were restricted, significantly limiting both household tasks and the ability to care for her children.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025
That should tug on our hearts since Willa’s worth caring for, but the emotional heft between dad and daughter gets muffled since there’s just not enough oxygen given to those scenes.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 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 22 Sep. 2025.
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