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

Relevance

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
Adam Smith’s invisible hand coordinated the investors, architects, builders, and workers spending years getting the property in great shape for me and all of my neighbors. Edward Peter Stringham, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026 In reality, though, funding choices shape all of those goals. William Jones, AZCentral.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
The other is a smaller, more mysterious handheld chunk of willow or poplar wood that may have been used to shape stone tools, according to research published Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026 Since its 2023 debut, the show has resonated for its raw portrayals of participants shaped by divorce, grief, illness and major life decisions. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shape
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shape
Noun
  • Anyone who is experiencing negative health effects of cannabis should see a medical professional for help.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • The bill would set enforceable health and safety standards, mandating independent inspections and requiring transparency in reporting habitability issues such as water damage, humidity and mold.
    JAMES HERRERA MONTEREY HERALD, Arkansas Online, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • This form of compassion helps prime us to act out our compassionate concern for others.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Jan. 2026
  • New forms appear on the real horizon.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Appropriately, Stromberg’s henchman is named Jaws, played by the inimitable Richard Kiel, whose metal teeth and imposing physique make for some of the franchise’s most memorable fight scenes.
    Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Green has the physique to play tough, as well as the speed and motor to play at a high pace.
    Stan Awtrey, AJC.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Hivemind enables defense systems to sense, decide, and act, allowing autonomous platforms to adapt to dynamic environments, avoid threats, and complete missions without human intervention.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 2 Feb. 2026
  • But, once again, USC adapted to having three injured players and beat Rutgers 78-75 to get back into the win column.
    Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The project was planned to clear the area of outdated and dilapidated buildings, to attract new businesses and promote economic revitalization.
    Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Set personal check‑ins on your calendar at the end of each week to review progress, plan adjustments and reflect on what worked and what didn’t.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • This is like ignoring weather conditions when flying an airplane.
    Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Most areas in North Texas were covered in ice, sleet and snow, creating hazardous conditions.
    Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The micromold determines the final geometry.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The sequence of Enoch among the heavenly hosts, violent, shattering with Blakeian geometry and color.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Overall, this weekend was 83% above the previous frame, which was hobbled by a massive winter storm, though 5% below the same period last year.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Arguably more important than comfort, these jeans complement many frames and are quite stylish.
    Olivia Dubyak, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shape.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shape. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on shape

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!