make for
Britishverb
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to head towards, esp in haste
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to prepare to attack
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to help to bring about
your cooperation will make for the success of our project
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Have or cause to have a particular effect; also, help promote or further. For example, That letter of yours will make for hard feelings in the family , or This system makes for better communication . [Early 1500s]
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Go toward, as in They turned around and made for home . This usage originated in the late 1500s, but was not widely used until the 1800s. Also see made for .
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
At least this Paris paycheck gig will bolster her finances — and get her ready for the feature film she’s been wanting to make for years.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2026
This is not neglect, but rather a choice the majority of people make for active management, because they don’t want to pay constant attention to their portfolios.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 25, 2026
Steepling stands make for an outstanding atmosphere while the wide concourses allow fans to move around in space and comfort.
From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026
But difficult transitions can make for great stories.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 22, 2026
I was too old for the sen ice in World War II, but the war did make for a lot of work.
From "Life Is So Good" by George Dawson
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.