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

Two of those receptions went for 41 yards and 24 yards on the final two drives of the game, positioning the Panthers to make a late push. — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026

Baker’s Gavin Fellingham was on the receiving end of one of those pass plays that went for 63 yards. — Kansas City Star, 20 Sep. 2026

Southern Miss ran for six touchdowns in Week 1, including three from Steven Robinson, who went for 132 yards, and a pair from freshman Jamarice Wilder, who went for 90. — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026

The Mets will go for a series victory on Sunday afternoon in their final home game of the season. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 19 Sep. 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