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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

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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
But this postseason is shaping up to be especially meaningful for the 6-foot, 200-pound Murray and his teammates. — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026 The Proposition 40 billionaire wealth tax is shaping up to be the most expensive and contentious ballot fight this year. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2026 Milano—which kicks off on September 22, the first day of the city's fashion week—is shaping up to be the brand’s most dazzling yet. — Glamour, 15 Sep. 2026 Cooler, clearer weather across Maryland Monday and Tuesday are shaping up to be be the nicest days of the workweek. — Cutter Martin, CBS News, 12 Sep. 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
  • After a year’s discussion, Nussbaum’s group decided to form an organization.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
  • As ballot stations opened in Casablanca and Rabat, voters of various ages formed small but continuous lines to cast their ballots.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of form
Verb
  • Key Takeaways Kettlebells are versatile tools that can improve lower-body strength, balance, core stability, and functional movement.
    — Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Open, consistent walking paths improve mobility without construction.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of improve
Verb
  • But high bromide content behaves unpredictably during fabrication.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The company has since disclosed several additional incidents where its models behaved in unintended ways, prompting industry researchers and government officials to call for additional oversight.
    — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of behave
Verb
  • Boy employees or those linked to Combs have been stalled, amended, or quietly abandoned.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026
  • If their tax refund was inflated by claiming tax credits that don't apply to them, the taxpayer had to verify their ID first and then amend a return before any federal income tax refund could be issued.
    — Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of amend
Verb
  • As a senator, her priorities include supporting economic development, bettering police and community relations, securing funding for educational programs and passing policies for affordable housing, according to her campaign website.
    — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2026
  • His hopes for The Situation is to better the experience of other disadvantaged creatives climbing the ranks today.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of better
Verb
  • His promise to free Jair Bolsonaro is presented not as a rejection of the rule of law but as part of a broader pledge to reform institutions that, in his telling, have exceeded their proper authority.
    — Andre Pagliarini, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Her Social Democratic predecessor, Gerhard Schröder, did the same in 2004 after his popularity sank during a drive to reform Germany's welfare system.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of reform

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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 30 Sep. 2026.

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