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

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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
Even in what is shaping up as a difficult political environment, however, Republicans are protected by the limited number of seats in play. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 Georgia Georgia is shaping up to be one of the tightest gubernatorial races in the country. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 21 Oct. 2026 Funnel neck jackets, which are shaping up to be one of fall’s standout styles. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 2026 This week is shaping up to give us a break from the summerlike sweat. — Miami Herald Staff Report, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 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
  • On Tuesday, Elon Musk, the CEO and largest shareholder of both companies, said the electric vehicle maker and the rocket company had formed special committees at the request of shareholders to discuss the idea.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
  • By studying Mars' moons, scientists hope to learn whether Phobos and Deimos formed in the aftermath of an ancient collision between Mars and a battering space rock.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of form
Verb
  • Parties that likely would support Eisenkot have vowed to improve Israel's international standing and work to conscript ultra-Orthodox men while bolstering the independence of the judiciary.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Such a process could potentially improve lithium recovery from underground brines while reducing the chemical demands of conventional separation methods.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of improve
Verb
  • The findings could help scientists understand the limits of Einstein’s theory of general relativity and investigate whether black holes can behave in ways that challenge our current understanding of the universe.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • In quantum physics, particles behave differently than us mortals.
    — Shayla Love, Vox, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of behave
Verb
  • The original proposal included employers of all sizes, but the Board of Health amended the policy to exempt small businesses.
    — Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • In 1990, Congress considered amending the CAA so that the EPA could substitute itself and take control of citizen suits over alleged violations.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of amend
Verb
  • Forty-three percent of US adults say the federal government is effective at bettering people’s lives, down from 51% in 2025, according to a new Bentley University-Gallup survey.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 2026
  • In the meantime, however, humankind was not there to be bettered.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of better
Verb
  • The citizens group hoping to reform Connecticut’s oppressive property tax system will release its recommendations Monday, hoping to force candidates for state offices to take positions during the final push toward Election Day.
    — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Farmers will have to fallow their alfalfa fields, homeowners pull out their lawns, industries will have to reform.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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