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

Dallas went for it and a holding penalty by Lassiter gave the Cowboys another first down at the 1. — Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026

Gonzales and his team of experts believe the House is most likely gone for Republicans, forecasting a Democratic gain of seven to 15 seats, unless the bottom falls out for the GOP and their losses climb much higher. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Once word gets out, nabbing center-orchestra seats (already going for over $300 apiece at press time) might feel like a minor miracle. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2026

That drive started with a Mariota keeper around the left end that went for 35 yards. — ABC News, 4 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