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.
Harvest cried, reaching for the pump’s lever. Literary Hub, 21 Nov. 2025 When reached for comment, DHS referred Newsweek to its comments to CNN and Leavitt's comments on social media. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025 Leica is a high-end brand, and the Q3M's asking price places it out of reach for many photographers. PC Magazine, 20 Nov. 2025 Daun, 48, could not be reached for comment. Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 20 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reach for

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Cite this Entry

“Reach for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reach%20for. Accessed 25 Nov. 2025.

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