Reach meaning

What does “reach” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“reach” is a noun and verb with 13 meanings. Its most common meaning is: the limits within which something can be effective.

reach

the limits within which something can be effective
“range of motion”
“he was beyond the reach of their fire”
Synonymsrange
an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control:
“the range of a supersonic jet”
“a piano has a greater range than the human voice”
Synonymsscope range orbit compass ambit
the act of physically reaching or thrusting out
Synonymsreaching stretch
the limit of capability
“within the compass of education”
Synonymscompass range grasp

reach a destination, either real or abstract
“We hit Detroit by noon”
“The water reached the doorstep”
Synonymsmake attain hit arrive at gain
reach a point in time, or a certain state or level
“The thermometer hit 100 degrees”
“This car can reach a speed of 140 miles per hour”
Synonymshit attain
move forward or upward in order to touch; also in a metaphorical sense
“Government reaches out to the people”
Synonymsreach out
be in or establish communication with
“Our advertisements reach millions”
“He never contacted his children after he emigrated to Australia”
Synonymsget through get hold of contact
to gain with effort
“she achieved her goal despite setbacks”
Synonymsachieve accomplish attain
to extend as far as
“The sunlight reached the wall”
“Can he reach?”
Synonymsextend to touch
reach a goal
“make the first team”
“We made it!”
Synonymsmake get to progress to
place into the hands or custody of
“hand me the spoon, please”
“Turn the files over to me, please”
Synonymspass hand pass on turn over give
to exert much effort or energy
“straining our ears to hear”
Synonymsstrive strain

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University