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

Bowman could not be reached for comment The money will help the city replace water lines, some of which are 30 to 40 years past their normal life expectancy, according to John Edwards, general counsel and economic development director for Helena-West Helena/Phillips County Port Authority. —Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2025

During our testing, these sneakers stood out as a reliable option to reach for ahead of long days on our feet. —Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025

Our senior commerce writer, Emily Farris, regularly reaches for her Made-In nonstick ceramic pan when making eggs or pancakes for her kids. —Melissa Knific, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025

In Mahmood’s recollection, the bus driver, after being informed of his young passenger’s religion, reached for his microphone. —Eric Lach, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2025

Rhymes for reach for

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