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

When an offense goes for almost 508 yards and scores just 27 points, that’s an inability to execute on full display. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Nov. 2026

Most incumbents were re-elected and, in those races where there was no incumbent, voters frequently went for the candidate who offered a continuation of the policies and priorities of recent leaders. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026

Anya Taylor-Joy also went for volume in her vintage Pierre Cardin, which included a mega-ruffled duster coat. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 8 Nov. 2026

Srinuan said the episode showed him how far the studio went for realism, and that realism is what makes its universe flexible. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Nov. 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