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
Fiction Non Fiction
october 2, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025
In contrast, prostate cancer tumors will often have an irregular shape with blurred edges as the cancer invades surrounding tissue.
—Md Published, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
Here’s how texture shapes your choices.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shape
Noun
That created a container that became the shape of this.
—Fiction Non Fiction
october 2, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025
In contrast, prostate cancer tumors will often have an irregular shape with blurred edges as the cancer invades surrounding tissue.
—Md Published, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
Both people shape the good and the bad.
—Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
Here’s how texture shapes your choices.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shape
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shape
Noun
-
Gaza is decimated In Gaza, the Hamas-run health ministry says more than 66,000 people have been killed − about half of them women and children − and humanitarian agencies now warn of famine.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
5 Oct. 2025
-
The fresh red bell peppers in this meal are packed with nutrients, especially vitamin C and A for the immune system and eye health.—
Susan Selasky,
Freep.com,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The fossil chemicals in question are a special types of steranes, which are the geologically stable form of sterols, like cholesterol, that are found in the cell membranes of complex organisms.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Overseas activists have tried to deliver aid in the past to Gaza but have either been intercepted by Israeli forces or come under some form of attack.—
Billy Stockwell,
CNN Money,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Coleman was the second-leading scorer on the AAC’s third-best team and has the physique to level up.—
CJ Moore,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Crowe previously revealed his trimmer physique while stepping out to Wimbledon on July 1 with his girlfriend, Britney Theriot.—
Erin Clack,
PEOPLE,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Fueled by technology, our language adapts to new slang trends more rapidly than ever.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
5 Oct. 2025
-
Crafted to adapt to the unique demands of each story, the guide provides flexibility while upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity.—
Nashville Tennessean,
Nashville Tennessean,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In 2025, there's a lot more open space and outdoor activities than what would have been planned before the pandemic.—
Alysa Guffey,
IndyStar,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Griffith decided to proceed to trial as planned.—
Quinlan Bentley,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Those over 60 or with certain medical conditions are at a greater risk for severe illness.—
Caroline Neal,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
-
The cubs were discovered alone and in poor condition before beings safely trapped by the UC Davis California Carnivores Program team in coordination with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Enumerative geometry no longer felt like a central, lively area of study.—
Joseph Howlett,
Quanta Magazine,
26 Sep. 2025
-
At the other extreme, Zankov turned argyle into a mix of color and geometry that reads maximalism at its best.—
Minty Mellon,
Vogue,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The home features a steel frame with thick, insulated panels and can withstand the natural weather elements.—
Chaunie Brusie,
Parents,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Some people are screaming at the air, their pants falling off their frail frames.—
Ashley Hiruko,
ProPublica,
6 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shape.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shape. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share