for keeps

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.

I’d been friendly with the group before, but now we were bonded for keeps.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 25, 2025

He kept an eye out for Selener — and now he has her for keeps.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2024

"Penny Lane is in our ears and in our eyes - and this time it's for keeps."

From BBC • Nov. 28, 2023

Jalen McDaniels came off the bench to score 16 points, hitting a 3-pointer to put Charlotte ahead for keeps with 8:18 left.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 27, 2021

“All right,” she said, “rules: There’ll be no marble playing inside the school-house, even in bad weather, and there’ll be no playing for keeps, anywhere.”

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck