grab at/for

phrasal verb

grabbed at/for; grabbing at/for; grabs at/for
: to quickly stretch out one's hand and try to touch or hold (something or someone)
People were grabbing at her as she walked through the crowd.
He grabbed for the ball and missed.
often used figuratively
We grabbed at the chance to go.
political parties grabbing for power

Examples of grab at/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.
Helsley would be one of the Dodgers' top choices to grab at the deadline, if the Cardinals make the former Reliever of the Year available. Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025 Order fish tacos or fresh salads at Bad Boy Burrito; grab at coffee at Cafe Moka; shop for clothing and gifts at Miss Monroe Boutique; and browse the open-air stalls at boo kee sue Botanics for handmade textiles, ceramics, and more. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 12 July 2025 The ball sank at 105 mph and only had a 30% catch probability, but Bellinger came in for a shoestring grab at the last possible second. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 7 July 2025 Cousins appears to grab at the fan, who then splashes a drink towards Cousins. Sean Neumann, People.com, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for grab at/for

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Cite this Entry

“Grab at/for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grab%20at%2Ffor. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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