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
Capris and cropped pants are shaping up to be one of summer 2026’s biggest trends, making this stretchy cotton pair an excellent score. — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 2 July 2026 Her appearance is the latest in a string of royal engagements in what is shaping up to be another busy summer for the royal family. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 2 July 2026 The 76ers are already shaping up to be one of the most compelling teams in the NBA and would be Must-See TV with the addition of LeBron James. — Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 The standoff has laid the groundwork for what is shaping up to be this year's most anticipated corporate event in German industry, when Volkswagen's management will seek to win the approval of the firm's supervisory board on July 9. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 2 July 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
  • There will be a line forming early, which is typical for popular music acts.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • The lupines have reappeared within the last 15 years, migrating from Oregon and forming new packs, largely clustered in the northeastern portion of California.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of form
Verb
  • Many people prefer whole-wheat pasta to increase their fiber intake, support digestive and heart health, and improve the overall nutrient quality of their diet, rather than focusing primarily on protein.
    — Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 8 July 2026
  • However, his office says the former Senate majority leader's health is improving.
    — Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Definition of improve
Verb
  • The simple threat of regulatory action is now enough to impact how media outlets behave.
    — Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 July 2026
  • Different alloy systems will behave differently, and mixing is only one part of the challenge.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
Definition of behave
Verb
  • But even if Costco is unable to amend the site’s zoning plan, it’s not guaranteed that the store would remain a wholesale grocer either.
    — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026
  • The editors reserve the right to amend any information or remove any listees in light of new information.
    — Phisanu Phromchanya, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of amend
Verb
  • What began as a Christmas gift distribution for farmworker children has now blossomed into an ongoing effort to better the lives of farmworkers by churches in San Jose.
    — Eliana Aguilar, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • Second in Austria marked Verstappen’s best result of the season — bettering his third in Canada.
    — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 29 June 2026
Definition of better
Verb
  • The parent plants from which the cuttings were taken should rapidly heal wounds, and make lots of new grow to reform often more compact plants.
    — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2026
  • But Warsh has focused instead on reforming the central bank’s public messaging — mostly by demanding less of it.
    — Benn Steil, Washington Post, 9 July 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 13 Jul. 2026.

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