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
The orchestra’s post-Dudamel future is shaping up to be quite interesting. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026 The European agency says 2026 is shaping up to be the second warmest year on record, with a 20% chance of tying or exceeding 2024 for the warmest year. — Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026 Both schools are searching for answers on offense and in need of a win in what shapes up to be a defensive battle. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026 House Democratic leadership declared victory before midnight Tuesday, putting the finishing touches on what shaped up to be a historic night for Democrats. — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 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
  • Three factions -- all aligned with Netanyahu's religious-nationalist base -- recommended Netanyahu be given a chance to form a coalition government, while a fourth -- led by a former Netanyahu ally turned rival -- recommended Eisenkot.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Tin lowers the energy barrier for lithium nucleation, helping lithium begin forming at the interface.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of form
Verb
  • Moon’s priorities for another term included expanding students’ access to mental health services, improving teacher recruitment and retention, and increasing career technical education opportunities.
    — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Serve the easy meal, use the good blanket, and let a pleasure count without improving it.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of improve
Verb
  • The new material combines kerosene, lecithin, and calcium chloride to produce a gel that behaves more like a soft solid at rest but flows when subjected to force or heat, according to a study.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Your body behaves as though something dangerous is happening.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of behave
Verb
  • Despite frustration that the Legislature amended his original plan by protecting property taxes for schools, the governor still advocated for the amendment.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The amendment asked voters whether the Minnesota Constitution should be amended to increase the funding going to all school districts from the permanent school fund.
    — Jason Rantala, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of amend
Verb
  • On top of emphasizing a core value set aimed at bettering the working class, many DSA candidates tapped into voter frustrations with the larger political system.
    — Elena Moore, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Forty-three percent of US adults say the federal government is effective at bettering people’s lives, down from 51% in 2025, according to a new Bentley University-Gallup survey.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of better
Verb
  • Attempts to reform and expedite the appeals process over the years have further gummed up the system.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Across the country, Democrats stood up for big policy changes like increasing the federal minimum wage, expanding child care, reining in Big Tech, data centers, and AI, and reforming health care.
    — Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Time, 5 Nov. 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 11 Nov. 2026.

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