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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of shape (up)
Justin Vigil Zuniga, Daily News, 5 Mar. 2026
With 20 games left, the 2025-26 NHL season is shaping up to be one of the most chaotic and improbable seasons in the past decade.
—Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Across the industry, every cruise line is riding that wave into what’s shaping up to be a standout 2027.
—David Dickstein, Oc Register, 4 Mar. 2026
The oil market is shaping up to be a key factor for investors, as price moves threaten to have broader macroeconomic implications.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shape (up)
Verb
The Mission League still runs through Loyola, but Harvard-Westlake and Notre Dame continue to shape up to the Cubs.
—Justin Vigil Zuniga, Daily News, 5 Mar. 2026
With 20 games left, the 2025-26 NHL season is shaping up to be one of the most chaotic and improbable seasons in the past decade.
—Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Across the industry, every cruise line is riding that wave into what’s shaping up to be a standout 2027.
—David Dickstein, Oc Register, 4 Mar. 2026
The oil market is shaping up to be a key factor for investors, as price moves threaten to have broader macroeconomic implications.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shape (up)
Cite this Entry
“Shape (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shape%20%28up%29. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
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