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
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)
Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 23 June 2025
The East End of Long Island is shaping up to be a shopper’s paradise this summer, especially for those who love Italian style.
—Air Mail, 21 June 2025
Parking stability shapes up with a double-leg kickstand under the battery bay.
—Paul Ridden
june 17, New Atlas, 17 June 2025
The series is shaping up to be a classic as both teams refuse to back down and are incredibly evenly matched – as evidenced by a tight first half.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for shape (up)
Verb
Virts is the first Democrat to launch a bid to unseat Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) in what is shaping up to be a crowded race on both sides of the aisle.
—Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 23 June 2025
The East End of Long Island is shaping up to be a shopper’s paradise this summer, especially for those who love Italian style.
—Air Mail, 21 June 2025
Parking stability shapes up with a double-leg kickstand under the battery bay.
—Paul Ridden
june 17, New Atlas, 17 June 2025
The series is shaping up to be a classic as both teams refuse to back down and are incredibly evenly matched – as evidenced by a tight first half.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 13 June 2025
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 5 Jul. 2025.
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