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.
Two of his six punt returns that day went for touchdowns of 75 and 84 yards. Oc Register, 3 July 2026 Two of his six punt returns that day went for touchdowns, of 75 and 84 yards. Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 Teams seem unafraid to try and go for the win as the match winds down, which makes the action entertaining. Phil Hay, New York Times, 4 July 2026 Yellow jackets go for whatever’s coming off the grill, while bumble bees stick to drinks, fruit and dessert. Sharon Wu, USA Today, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for go for

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 7 Jul. 2026.

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