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

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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.
Your man might even start reaching for it this winter too. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 19 Sep. 2025 For a better night’s sleep, Palinski-Wade recommends reaching for melatonin-rich foods such as tart cherries, pistachios and Greek yogurt before bedtime. Mariette Williams, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025 Reject The Quick-Fix Trap The temptation is to reach for stimulants, sedatives, or trendy supplements. Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 Stickler could not be reached for comment. Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 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 20 Sep. 2025.

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