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

Not going for it on 4th down, and then settling for a field goal attempt with a 3 point lead is unacceptable! — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026

The first play of the drive then went for 33 yards, putting Iowa State immediately in field goal position. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026

Unfortunately, had two guys in the same spot, going for the ball. — Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2026

Same goes for our Club healthcare stocks like Eli Lilly , which closed at a record high yesterday after a beat-and-raise quarter. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 30 Oct. 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