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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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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Recent Examples of shape (up)
Gromer Jeffers Jr, Dallas Morning News, 19 Jan. 2026
With the May 2027 primary election less than 16 months away, the race is shaping up to pit Osili, an ally of Mayor Joe Hogsett, against newer faces like Hunley who may be more critical of the incumbent mayor's legacy.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 16 Jan. 2026
This appears to shape up as a quite spacious loft with a low ceiling and a double bed plus an entertainment center and TV.
—New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
The town at the time was already embroiled in what shaped up to be a landmark lawsuit over affordable housing and commissioners and some town officials concluded that its best strategy was to make its regulations less restrictive.
—Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shape (up)
Verb
That age debate isn’t unique to Texas, with the 2026 midterm elections shaping up as a moment of churn.
—Gromer Jeffers Jr, Dallas Morning News, 19 Jan. 2026
With the May 2027 primary election less than 16 months away, the race is shaping up to pit Osili, an ally of Mayor Joe Hogsett, against newer faces like Hunley who may be more critical of the incumbent mayor's legacy.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 16 Jan. 2026
This appears to shape up as a quite spacious loft with a low ceiling and a double bed plus an entertainment center and TV.
—New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
The town at the time was already embroiled in what shaped up to be a landmark lawsuit over affordable housing and commissioners and some town officials concluded that its best strategy was to make its regulations less restrictive.
—Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shape (up)
Cite this Entry
“Shape (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shape%20%28up%29. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.
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