Synonyms for

Reaching

Verb / ˈri:tʃɪŋ / Another word for reaching — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

the act of stretching out an arm or hand in order to touch or grasp something

Synonyms & similar words

achieve hand hit strive make strain contact pass accomplish gain give reach touch attain stretch arrival extending stretching touching grasping getting arriving attaining achieving accomplishing succeeding contacting connecting joining linking communicating outstretching

Synonyms by register

Formal

attaining achieving accessing extending

Informal

getting to grasping grabbing touching

Literary

aspiring yearning striving

Antonyms

letting go releasing dropping withdrawing abandoning ceasing

Common collocations

  • reaching out
  • reaching for
  • reaching a conclusion
  • reaching the end
  • reaching agreement
  • reaching adulthood
  • reaching a decision
  • reaching a peak

Word family

noun reach
verb reach
adjective reachable
adverb reachably

Usage note

As a present participle, 'reaching' often implies an ongoing action of extending or attempting to attain something. It can be used both literally (e.g., reaching for a book) and figuratively (e.g., reaching a compromise).

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Example sentences

  1. He was reaching for the stars.
  2. She reached out to help her friend.
  3. I am reaching for my goals.
  4. The cat was reaching for the toy mouse.
  5. He was reaching for his phone to call for help.

Quotes

  • Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle. Keep reaching for the stars.
  • You cant reach for anything new if your hands are full of yesterdays junk.
  • Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star.

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