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
In his eyes, Gottlieb is unusually motivated, the type of man who needs something to reach for.
—
Sophie Levenson, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
My teen is always reaching for hoop earrings—they’re easy, cute, and go with everything.
—Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 5 Aug. 2025
Consistently reaching for a second stick of string cheese can tip the scales and make this a higher-carb snack than intended.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 4 Aug. 2025
Streep styled a wide-brim hat with an oversized white button-up shirt and the relaxed denim alternative celebrities can’t stop reaching for this season: roomy palazzo pants.
—Averi Baudler, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reach for
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Sophie Levenson, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
My teen is always reaching for hoop earrings—they’re easy, cute, and go with everything.
—Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 5 Aug. 2025
Consistently reaching for a second stick of string cheese can tip the scales and make this a higher-carb snack than intended.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 4 Aug. 2025
Streep styled a wide-brim hat with an oversized white button-up shirt and the relaxed denim alternative celebrities can’t stop reaching for this season: roomy palazzo pants.
—Averi Baudler, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025
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 8 Aug. 2025.
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