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

All of that to say, the environment in Gampel Pavilion on Wednesday night, with Creighton in town, is shaping up to be one of the best this season, potentially up there with the Arizona game back in November. —Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 17 Feb. 2026

Weather warm up in Maryland Monday's forecast is shaping up to be cloudy and chilly. —Steven Sosna, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026

When Robert Duvall was floundering around in college, his father, a career Navy man who retired with the rank of rear admiral, told him to shape up — and start acting. —Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2026

One such race is shaping up in Pawtucket. —Will Richmond, The Providence Journal, 16 Feb. 2026