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

The Texas Senate race is shaping up to be a crowded one with competitive primaries on both the Republican and Democratic sides. —Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 13 Sep. 2025

Saturday is shaping up to be a repeat. —Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025

Temperatures in the low to mid-90s are likely Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with Saturday shaping up to be the hottest day of the week. —Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025

The bad news for the Bears is that Tarleton State is bringing what's shaping up to be the best team in school history to Estes Stadium this Saturday. —Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2025