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
Dupuy-Bruno couldn’t be reached for comment.
—
Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2026
While a speedy reaction to stains is key, don’t reach for anything abrasive or harsh.
—Barbara Bellesi Zito, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2026
The Yonays could not immediately be reached for comment.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 2 Jan. 2026
The recent history of the Games, both summer and winter, features a trail of wasteful temporary housing or long-term residences that were difficult to sell (Rio de Janeiro), poorly maintained (Athens) or out of reach for low-income families (London).
—Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reach for
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Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2026
While a speedy reaction to stains is key, don’t reach for anything abrasive or harsh.
—Barbara Bellesi Zito, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2026
The Yonays could not immediately be reached for comment.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 2 Jan. 2026
The recent history of the Games, both summer and winter, features a trail of wasteful temporary housing or long-term residences that were difficult to sell (Rio de Janeiro), poorly maintained (Athens) or out of reach for low-income families (London).
—Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reach for
Cite this Entry
“Reach for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reach%20for. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.
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