shape (up) 1 of 2

verb (1)

Definition of shape (up)next
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 (up)
Verb
Saturday is shaping up to be an especially pleasant day for outdoor activities. — Michael Autovino, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 There are five riding modes, shaping up as three preset modes and two that can be customized to your preferences. — New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2026 In what is shaping up to be the season’s most competitive acting race, three names appear to have separated themselves. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026 Heels, flats, and sneakers in this shade are shaping up to be an irresistible way to brighten up a dark winter outfit. — Nuria Luis, Glamour, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shape (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shape (up)
  1. form
  2. improve
  3. behave
  4. amend
  5. better
  6. reform
Verb
  • On Tuesday, Elon Musk, the CEO and largest shareholder of both companies, said the electric vehicle maker and the rocket company had formed special committees at the request of shareholders to discuss the idea.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
  • By studying Mars' moons, scientists hope to learn whether Phobos and Deimos formed in the aftermath of an ancient collision between Mars and a battering space rock.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of form
Verb
  • The performance of hydrocarbons must be considered as part of a wider system that is simultaneously scaling clean electricity input and improving efficiency across the value chain.
    — H.E. Dr Abdulla Saif Al Jarwan, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
  • In comparison, 58% say state and local governments improve their lives, while 56% say the same of businesses and 77% of charitable and advocacy groups.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of improve
Verb
  • In 1999 a group led by Austrian physicist Anton Zeilinger confirmed that fullerenes, large molecules consisting of 60 carbon atoms, behave just the same.
    — Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Meet the 2026-27 Lakers, a team that will look different, sound different, feel different, play different and behave different from their recent predecessors in every way but one.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of behave
Verb
  • The original proposal included employers of all sizes, but the Board of Health amended the policy to exempt small businesses.
    — Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • In 1990, Congress considered amending the CAA so that the EPA could substitute itself and take control of citizen suits over alleged violations.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of amend
Verb
  • Forty-three percent of US adults say the federal government is effective at bettering people’s lives, down from 51% in 2025, according to a new Bentley University-Gallup survey.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 2026
  • In the meantime, however, humankind was not there to be bettered.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of better
Verb
  • Over time, the objectives of this opposition have shifted from reforming the regime to challenging its authority.
    — Mansoor Moaddel, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Since becoming Health and Human Services secretary, Kennedy has aggressively tried to reform existing vaccine policy.
    — Chelsea Cirruzzo, STAT, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of reform

Browse Nearby Words

shapes up
shape (up)
shape up
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Cite this Entry

“Shape (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shape%20%28up%29. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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