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.
That was the softball field where Miller launched three straight rocket shots late in the game Tuesday that went for a two-run homer, a double and an RBI single in South Elgin’s 15-7 Upstate Eight Conference victory over visiting West Aurora. Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026 Then, as Adebayo went for the rebound and tried to stay inbounds at the same time, Ball swiped at Adebayo’s foot with his left arm. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026 Start the day with gallo pinto (Costa Rican rice and beans) served with two eggs cooked to your liking, fresh cheese, ripe plantains, and sour cream or go for avocado toast, pancakes, or artisanal yogurt. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026 Miami could go for a safety with one of its seven selections in the first two days of the draft, which cover Rounds 1-3. David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026 That cycle goes for hair, as well. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2026 The same goes for others in his party. Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026 The same goes for the Pixies, one of the most influential bands ever from the American underground, inspiring Nirvana and all that followed — yet never nominated. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2026 In some 14 years working in the Treasure Valley, this is the most expensive home Owens has listed; his previous high sold went for around $5 million. Darin Oswald, Idaho Statesman, 15 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Go for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/go%20for. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.

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