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
Our economic columnist John Cassidy breaks down the latest developments, exploring the effects that tariffs have had in the past, why yesterday’s announcement has upended global markets, and how the Administration’s rollout has left some analysts grasping for sense amid the apparent chaos.
—
Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2025
That the prestige of the office is sullied by his grasp for profits.
—Eric Heavner, Baltimore Sun, 18 Jan. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for grasp for
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.
Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2025
That the prestige of the office is sullied by his grasp for profits.
—Eric Heavner, Baltimore Sun, 18 Jan. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for grasp for
Cite this Entry
“Grasp for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grasp%20for. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share