reach for
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
The company could not be reached for comment Thursday.
—
The Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
25 June 2026
With so little supply, prices are surging, keeping housing both for rent and for purchase out of reach for many Americans.
—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
24 June 2026
In an era of digital overwhelm and social isolation, gathering around a table, shuffling tiles and building order out of chaos together feels like exactly what people are reaching for right now.
—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
24 June 2026
The historical parallel Dalio reaches for is pointed.
—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for reach for
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.
The Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
25 June 2026
With so little supply, prices are surging, keeping housing both for rent and for purchase out of reach for many Americans.
—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
24 June 2026
In an era of digital overwhelm and social isolation, gathering around a table, shuffling tiles and building order out of chaos together feels like exactly what people are reaching for right now.
—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
24 June 2026
The historical parallel Dalio reaches for is pointed.
—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
24 June 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 28 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
