shape (up) 1 of 2

verb (1)

Definition of shape (up)next
as in to form
to take on a definite form this group of summer interns is shaping up to be one of the best we've ever hired

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

shape up

2 of 2

verb (2)

as in to improve
to change one's behavior or character for the better told his son that if he didn't shape up, he'd be grounded for a month

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of shape (up)
Verb
The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence has been shaping up as, well, frankly, somewhere between an embarrassment and a fiasco. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026 This is shaping up to be the biggest one of all, and it will be twinned with the Seventh International Naval Review, for which 37 warships will assemble along the Hudson for inspection. — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 30 June 2026 The 76ers are already shaping up to be one of the most compelling teams in the NBA and would be Must-See TV with the addition of LeBron James. — Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 The standoff has laid the groundwork for what is shaping up to be this year's most anticipated corporate event in German industry, when Volkswagen's management will seek to win the approval of the firm's supervisory board on July 9. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shape (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shape (up)
  1. form
  2. improve
  3. behave
  4. amend
  5. better
  6. reform
Verb
  • Since its inception, social media has been a proving ground for tween fashion and identity, offering under-16s a digital canvas to experiment with their style and form online cliques around niche interests.
    — Sophie Lou Wilson, Vogue, 2 July 2026
  • Since the band was formed, the group has sold over 100 million records worldwide.
    — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Definition of form
Verb
  • Many people prefer whole-wheat pasta to increase their fiber intake, support digestive and heart health, and improve the overall nutrient quality of their diet, rather than focusing primarily on protein.
    — Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 8 July 2026
  • However, his office says the former Senate majority leader's health is improving.
    — Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Definition of improve
Verb
  • The simple threat of regulatory action is now enough to impact how media outlets behave.
    — Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 July 2026
  • Different alloy systems will behave differently, and mixing is only one part of the challenge.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
Definition of behave
Verb
  • That’s if District 3 Commissioner Rolando Escalona’s proposal to amend the city code passes July 9, when the Miami City Commission is slated to vote on it.
    — Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
  • The Legislature can amend the plan and has the responsibility to approve it.
    — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of amend
Verb
  • Second in Austria marked Verstappen’s best result of the season — bettering his third in Canada.
    — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 29 June 2026
  • Hale, meanwhile, switched parties last year, arguing that running as a Republican will better his chances at beating Moore.
    — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 23 June 2026
Definition of better
Verb
  • But AfD is capitalizing on the unpopularity of a government that is trying to reform the sluggish economy.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • Most of the statue was melted down and reformed into musket balls, and several of these are on display in the opening section of the show across from four large intact pieces of the original.
    — Cat Dawson, ARTnews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of reform

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shapes up
shape (up)
shape up
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Cite this Entry

“Shape (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shape%20%28up%29. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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