grasp for

phrasal verb

grasped for; grasping for; grasps for

: to try in a desperate or awkward way to get (something)

His sudden decision to quit the race has left his supporters grasping for explanations.

grasping for attention

Examples of grasp for in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Murphy had Stick in his grasp for a sack on the final drive of the first half but couldn’t finish the play (Derick Hall wound up with the sack). —Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 10 Aug. 2024

Elisabeth, grasping for a reminder of her worth now that she’s seen the way people fawn over Sue’s youth and beauty, makes a date with a former schoolmate. —Time, 16 Apr. 2025

Our economic columnist John Cassidy breaks down the latest developments, exploring the effects that tariffs have had in the past, why yesterday’s announcement has upended global markets, and how the Administration’s rollout has left some analysts grasping for sense amid the apparent chaos. —Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2025

That the prestige of the office is sullied by his grasp for profits. —Eric Heavner, Baltimore Sun, 18 Jan. 2025

Rhymes for grasp for

• abhor
• abor
• adore
• afore
• ardour
• ashore
• backdoor
• before
• bookstore
• candour
• centaur
• claymore