shape 1 of 2

Definition of shapenext
1
as in health
a state of being or fitness she was in good shape after having worked outdoors all summer long

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in physique
the type of body that a person has some specialty clothing stores sell clothing that suits people that have a particular shape

Synonyms & Similar Words

shape

2 of 2

verb

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
Noun
The shapes are narrow in the center of the back and wider along the sides. Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026 Let patient dialogue shape wisdom, not winners, and heal divides. Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026
Verb
China is reportedly working to develop its own national standards for PQC within the next three years, and lessons from Origin Wukong will play a major role in shaping them. Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 16 June 2026 In class, students learned how tone and delivery can affect the reception of a message, how childhood can shape one’s perspectives, and the importance of stepping back and listening with intent, among other skills. Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shape
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shape
Noun
  • Philadelphia declared a heat health emergency for Thursday and Friday, activating cooling centers, home visits by field teams, outreach to people experiencing homelessness and other services.
    CBS News, CBS News, 12 June 2026
  • Plano’s health inspections function on a 100-point scale, where a score of 100 is considered perfect and a score of 70 is considered extremely poor.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • There weren’t the same forms of communication as there are today.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • Social rescue arrives in the form of outgoing cool girl Sonya (Molloy), who takes a shine to Coley after a chance encounter in a coffee shop, and invites her to join her clique.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Like many of his friends, he was equipped with an athletic physique.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 June 2026
  • Midfielder Vitinha is still in awe over Ronaldo’s physique.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • Britain has increasingly toughened its approach to tech companies in recent years, urging or forcing them to impose age verification, adapt their algorithms and, most recently, prevent children from circulating nude images taken on mobile phones.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
  • The needs of religious consumers were changing, and church leaders scrambled to adapt.
    Michael Luo, New Yorker, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • So badly did the team miss Yamal that De la Fuente decided to accelerate the 18-year-old’s return to the side, bringing the Barcelona star on for Gavi in the 71st minute, earlier than planned.
    Pol Ballús, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • Iranian Americans are torn over Iran’s participation in the World Cup, as some community members plan to watch today’s match and others plan to protest outside the stadium where the team will play.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • Only one had injuries considered to be life-threatening; Graves did not have an update on that person’s condition during the news conference.
    Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026
  • Swells generated by Arthur are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along the northwestern Gulf Coast for the next day or two.
    MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • The suspension has been reworked by completely altering its geometry, mounting points, and damping.
    Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 17 June 2026
  • Use a geometry compass or a round object, like a dinner plate, to draw a smooth arch connecting these two lines.
    Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • An Upholstered Bed Frame or Platform Bed Upholstered or platform beds naturally eliminate the need for a bed skirt because the frame itself is meant to be seen.
    Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 14 June 2026
  • The durable steel frame is insulated and sealed to ensure both energy efficiency and safety in extreme weather.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Shape.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shape. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

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