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
as in form
the outward appearance of something as distinguished from its substance
that part of the state is known as the panhandle because of its shape
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to adapt
to change (something) so as to make it suitable for a new use or situation
a dress shaped to the customer's particular figure
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to plan
to work out the details of (something) in advance
over the winter the committee shaped the company's new marketing strategy
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
That surprise conclusion to the Season 4 premiere leaves audiences able to start seeing the shape of the conspiracy mystery-thriller surrounding Tender, which will become the focal point of the season.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 14 Jan. 2026
Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
Moore, who was honored with WWD's Fashion Icon award at the ceremony, posed with her long-time stylist and friend, Brad Goreski, who has played a major role in shaping her sartorial identity for the past two decades.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shape
Noun
Soft pinks and greens are in full bloom in the new DOFTRIPS collection, along with bubbly shapes and delicate glass accents.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
That surprise conclusion to the Season 4 premiere leaves audiences able to start seeing the shape of the conspiracy mystery-thriller surrounding Tender, which will become the focal point of the season.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
Steph Chambers / Getty Images The latest seminal moment that could shape the future of college football ended with an Instagram post, a quarterback staying put and fans quickly turning their attention to another College Football Playoff instant classic.
—Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
Moore, who was honored with WWD's Fashion Icon award at the ceremony, posed with her long-time stylist and friend, Brad Goreski, who has played a major role in shaping her sartorial identity for the past two decades.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shape
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shape
Noun
-
The average cost of a home health aide is around $6,000 a month.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Jan. 2026
-
The new doll is part of Mattel’s Fashionistas collection, which includes dolls with a diverse range of skin tones, hair textures, body types and health conditions, including type 1 diabetes, Down syndrome and blindness.—
Jacqueline Howard,
CNN Money,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The final slide of her carousel featured a video of her trying her hand at Muay Thai, a form of Thai boxing.—
Danielle Minnetian,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Freezing fog makes driving, boating, flying, and other forms of transportation particularly hazardous.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Egg’s plucky insolence belies his puny size, a comedic contrast with Claffey’s ex-rugby player physique, and perhaps his seemingly humble origins as well.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The 47-year-old showcased her physique on Instagram with a series of photos in a pastel triangle string bikini accented with beaded details.—
Danielle Minnetian,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The series, which was adapted from Liz Moore's novel of the same name, centers on Seyfried's Mickey, a police officer who works in the Philadelphia neighborhood of Kensington at the height of the opioid crisis.—
Brenton Blanchet,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
These are the ones most likely to be adapted for crowd monitoring throughout cities.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Did several individuals act spontaneously or was something planned?—
Dana Kelley,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Walmart plans to add EV sites at thousands of Walmart and Sam’s Club locations by 2030.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Attorneys and advocates have repeatedly criticized the conditions in ICE’s detention center in Aurora and have protested against plans to open more facilities in parts of rural Colorado.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Your orchid will essentially drown in these conditions.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Complex geometries are deployed to resolve atypical spaces including triangles, circles and quadrilaterals that defy conventional rectangular rooms, or furnishings.—
Edward Keegan,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Fault geometry, stress from nearby fault systems and the movement of fluids can all interact in complex ways.—
Bay Area News Group,
Mercury News,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
From then on, the final frame was a slow burn of foul calls and free throws.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
14 Jan. 2026
-
The bra’s signature M frame creates a sturdy structure that supports your chest sans underwire — thereby avoiding any digging, pinching, and poking throughout the day.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shape.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shape. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
