reach
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for reach, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To stretch out an arm or hand toward something in order to touch or grasp it.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use reach
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English rǣċan ("to reach, to stretch out"), a very old Germanic verb related to Dutch reiken and German reichen.
Full origin of reach →Frequently asked questions
What does “reach” mean?
The word “reach” means to stretch out an arm or hand toward something in order to touch or grasp it. In plain terms, to stretch toward something, to arrive somewhere, or to get in contact with someone — also used as a noun for how far something extends.
How do you pronounce “reach”?
“Reach” is pronounced reech (/ɹiːt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “reach” in a sentence?
Here is “reach” used in a sentence: “She reached for the top shelf but still couldn't quite reach it.”
What part of speech is “reach”?
Depending on how it is used, “reach” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “reach” come from?
The word “reach” comes from Old English. From Old English rǣċan ("to reach, to stretch out"), a very old Germanic verb related to Dutch reiken and German reichen.
Is “reach” a common word?
“Reach” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “reach” have?
“Reach” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to stretch out an arm or hand toward something in order to touch or grasp it.
What is the difference between reach and grab?
Reaching is the act of stretching out your arm or hand toward something, often before contact is made. Grabbing is closing your hand firmly around an object to hold it. You typically reach first and grab second, so reaching describes the motion toward, while grabbing describes the taking hold.
Does 'reach' only mean stretching out your hand?
No. While its core physical sense is stretching an arm toward something, 'reach' has many other everyday meanings: to arrive at a place ('reach London'), to make contact ('reach me by phone'), or to attain a level ('reach a goal'). Context makes the intended meaning clear.
What is an example of reaching for something?
Imagine standing in a kitchen and stretching your arm up toward a mug on a high shelf — that motion is reaching. Other examples include reaching across a table for the salt, or a child reaching out to be picked up. The hallmark is extending the hand toward a target.