reach for

phrasal verb

reached for; reaching for; reaches for
1
: to move one's hand in order to get or touch (someone or something)
She reached for the salt and pepper.
He reached into his pocket for a dime.
2
: to try hard to achieve or succeed at (something)
Success won't come to you, you have to reach for it.

Examples of reach 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.
Washington allegedly asked for student’s phone number Washington could not be reached for comment Saturday, and online court records do not yet list an attorney for him. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2025 The raffle model transforms a $7 million purchase—out of reach for most consumers—into a $10 dream that anyone can participate in. Kaleigh Moore, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025 Renters Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place The U.S. is going through a once-in-a-generation housing affordability crisis that has pushed homeownership out of reach for millions of Americans. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025 The Philadelphia Clerk of Family Court could not be reached for comment. Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reach for

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reach for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reach%20for. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!