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
Representatives for Ace Hardware could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday evening.
—
Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 June 2025
While Stewart has reached for the no-brainer outfit formula dozens of times, her most recent take feels appropriate for a day in the office, lounging at home, and everything in between.
—Averi Baudler, People.com, 17 June 2025
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Elizabeth Debicki and Scott Caan also are on board from a script by Quentin Tarantino.
Netflix and reps for Gugino could not be reached for comment.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 16 June 2025
The others did not return calls from the Herald/Times or could not be reached for comment.
—Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for reach for
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 June 2025
While Stewart has reached for the no-brainer outfit formula dozens of times, her most recent take feels appropriate for a day in the office, lounging at home, and everything in between.
—Averi Baudler, People.com, 17 June 2025
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Elizabeth Debicki and Scott Caan also are on board from a script by Quentin Tarantino.
Netflix and reps for Gugino could not be reached for comment.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 16 June 2025
The others did not return calls from the Herald/Times or could not be reached for comment.
—Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 14 June 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 22 Jun. 2025.
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