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)
• crystalize
• join
• jell
• combine
• cohere
• fuse
• couple
• coalesce
• 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

If Joe Burrow were playing, this could have shaped up to be a barnburner a la December along the Ohio River. —Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 29 Sep. 2025

Meanwhile, third-quarter growth is shaping up to be hotter. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2025

With construction underway, the project is shaping up as more than just the latest luxury escape. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2025

But next year is shaping up to be a little better for homebuyers everywhere, as mortgage rates are trending down and many markets—especially in the Sun Belt—are shifting in favor of buyers. —Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025