go for

verb

went for; gone for; going for; goes for

transitive

1

: to pass for or serve as

Silvered glass once went for mirrors.

2

: to try to secure or attain (something, such as a goal)

go for the prize

Stop hesitating and just go for it.

3

a

: to accept or agree to

I asked for a loan, but they wouldn't go for it.

b

: to have an interest in or liking for

doesn't go for modern art

She went for him in a big way.

—Chandler Brossard

I could go for [=would like] a cup of coffee.

4

: attack, assail

My dog went for the intruder.

5

: to hold true : be valid

The rules go for you, too.

Examples of go for in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Same goes for Knueppel, the runner-up in the NBA’s rookie of the year vote to good buddy and fellow Duke product Cooper Flagg. — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2026

Kate Middleton went for classic black-and-white gingham in a summery dress by Temperley London for The Royal Charity Polo Cup 2026 Guards Polo Club event on Friday in Egham, England. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 10 July 2026

Saint Laurent, Tory Burch, and Ferragamo went for high-shine metallic and patent leather skirts, while Chanel, Dries Van Noten, and Bottega Veneta offered up frilly, fringey texture. — Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 10 July 2026

Rent classic bikes at one of many rental agencies up and down the highway, or go for an easy-breezy electric bike from Pedego 30A to roll across the sand or the streets with no problem. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for go for

• abhor
• abor
• adore
• afore
• ardour
• ashore
• backdoor
• before
• bookstore
• candour
• centaur
• claymore