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

As the first week of candidate filing wound down Friday afternoon, the May primary ballot was shaping up with a mix familiar faces and newcomers. —Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026

All told, this is shaping up to be a great year for Pedroia and his Hall of Fame supporters. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 11 Jan. 2026

So far, 2026 is shaping up to be another big season for Anderson. —Rance Collins, Variety, 11 Jan. 2026

What shapes up as an intriguing seventh year under Coach Jordyn Wieber for the University of Arkansas gymnastics team gets rolling Saturday with the season opener at Minnesota. —Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 10 Jan. 2026