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

Taken together, this race is shaping up to be Steyer’s to lose. —Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026

But unlike Bondi or Noem, Kennedy has the ear of a voting bloc, one that is shaping up to be something of a wild card for the GOP ahead of the midterms. —Joseph Choi, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2026

Jackie Speier would like her former congressional colleagues to zip up and shape up, writes columnist Anita Chabria. —Vanessa Franko, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026

Hot honey blonde is shaping up to be the color of the season, with tons of celebrities already ditching their icy tones for a warmer shade. —Grace McCarty, Glamour, 16 Apr. 2026