go for

verb

went for; gone for; going for; goes for
Synonyms of go fornext

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Doncic went for 38 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists as Los Angeles stormed back from a 16-point deficit to beat the Nuggets 115-107 on Tuesday night at Ball Arena. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2026 After ending up as the King of Chicago’s seedy underbelly with a pregnant partner and new alliances ready to take a bullet for him, Tommy has a good thing going for him in the Windy City. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2026 The same goes for balancing story and spectacle, something that far too many shows and movies in the genre seem to get wrong. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026 Same goes for Zaccharie Risacher, who’s got a bone bruise on his knee. Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 21 Jan. 2026 For a slightly more Western take, which has surprisingly also been a thing in Italy recently, go for these black platform booties from Free People. Jenna Curcio, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026 The team behind Balos opened Bar Angie in West End last spring, going for that old-school New York bistro vibe with some European touches. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 21 Jan. 2026 During warmups, fans couldn’t stop gazing at his fresh steppers, quickly identifying them as The Roger Pro Fire sneakers from On, which are currently going for $220 in Curry’s White/Pink colorway of choice. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 21 Jan. 2026 The same goes for Greenland’s rare earths. Connor Okeeffe, Oc Register, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of go for was circa 1586

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Go for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/go%20for. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.

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