Synonyms of shape (up)

shape (up) 1 of 2

verb (1)

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

• form
• crystallize
• connect
• solidify
• link (up)
• join
• jell
• combine
• fuse
• coalesce
• cohere
• couple
• unite
• unify
• associate
• conjugate
• conjoin

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• break down
• decay
• decompose
• disintegrate

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• improve
• straighten (up or out)
• behave
• amend
• better
• clean up one's act
• reform
• regenerate
• mend

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• regress
• backslide

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of shape (up)

Verb

The issue is shaping up to be a key factor in November's midterm elections, experts said. —Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026

Those concerns will surely carry over to Warsh's confirmation process, which already is shaping up to be potentially difficult. —Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026

In an appearance on Fortune‘s Titans and Disruptors of Industry video podcast, Bourla talked about the triumphs and challenges of navigating the pharmaceutical giant through the pandemic and what is shaping up afterward. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026

Local boys and girls teams from Harvard-Westlake, Hart, Saugus, El Camino and several other schools are shaping up for postseason runs. —Justin Vigil Zuniga, Daily News, 29 Jan. 2026