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

The album is shaping up to be another genre-hopping entry in Tinashe’s catalog, with the singer moving between dance, pop and R&B without sounding solely interested in picking just one lane. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 10 Sep. 2026

Next week, the last time the House will be in session until after the midterm elections, is shaping up to be busy. — John Wilkerson, STAT, 10 Sep. 2026

New Hampshire’s premier Senate race is on after party leaders secured their top choices in what’s shaping up to be one of the tightest contests in the entire country come November. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Thursday is shaping up to be the hottest day of the week and also the one with the greatest chance of rain. — The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Sun, 8 Sep. 2026