grasp for

phrasal verb

grasped for; grasping for; grasps for
: to try in a desperate or awkward way to get (something)
His sudden decision to quit the race has left his supporters grasping for explanations.
grasping for attention

Examples of grasp for in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The strangulation of our economy is rooted in a toxic mix of spending, taxing and regulating that leaves our population, our workers and our businesses gasping for relief and grasping for alternatives. John Teichert, Baltimore Sun, 3 Mar. 2025 If nothing else, Sterns’s tease is a reminder that this latest phase of the MCU is still grasping for some purpose or cohesion. Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2025 The Oscar nominee brought disarming wit and naturalism to the resilient character, who grasps for optimism in the most hopeless of circumstances. Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024 When anxiety rises, the natural tendency is to grasp for control through standardization and structure. Michael Hudson, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for grasp for

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grasp for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grasp%20for. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!