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.
To create the shimmery, shape-shifting cats-eye effect, Ishizu reached for a magnet stick and shaped the magnetic polish sparkles over Lohan's entire nail. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 23 July 2025 Maxwell’s lawyers could not immediately be reached for comment. Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 22 July 2025 The report also claims marijuana was found in the vehicle, along with a large knife on the driver’s floorboard, which police said McNeil allegedly reached for as he was pulled from his vehicle. Melissa Noel, Essence, 22 July 2025 In the sweltering summer heat, some Americans are reaching for an unconventional source of hydration: pickle juice. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 22 July 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 29 Jul. 2025.

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