get at
phrase
1
: to reach effectively
The valve is hard to get at unless you have a special tool.
2
: to influence corruptly : bribe
3
: to turn one's attention to
The committee finally got at the main issue.
4
: to try to prove or make clear
I don't understand what he's getting at.
Examples of get at in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The spindle’s mechanical quirks show just how weird materials science can get at the finest scales of life.
—
Jake Buehler,
Quanta Magazine,
29 June 2026
Based on large observational studies and national guidelines, experts recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week to help lower blood pressure.
—
Laura Schober,
Health,
29 June 2026
That kind of testimonial gets at the broader thesis behind the product.
—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 June 2026
Productivity growth, the academic measure of how much better people are getting at generating outputs from inputs, collapsed.
—
Annie Lowrey,
The Atlantic,
29 June 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Jake Buehler,
Quanta Magazine,
29 June 2026
Based on large observational studies and national guidelines, experts recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week to help lower blood pressure.
—
Laura Schober,
Health,
29 June 2026
That kind of testimonial gets at the broader thesis behind the product.
—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 June 2026
Productivity growth, the academic measure of how much better people are getting at generating outputs from inputs, collapsed.
—
Annie Lowrey,
The Atlantic,
29 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Get at.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/get%20at. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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