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

This was shaping up to be a very expensive summer to fly. —Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 6 May 2026

Creative retreats — trips built around making something — are shaping up to be one of the defining travel trends of 2026, and the options have never been more varied. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026

Collaborations aside, May is already shaping up to be a huge month for New Balance releases. —Riley Jones, Footwear News, 6 May 2026

The intrigue only adds to the mystique surrounding what is shaping up to be one of Miami’s most ambitious residential builds. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 5 May 2026