shape (up) 1 of 2

verb (1)

Definition of shape (up)next
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of shape (up)
Verb
The fall festival season is shaping up fast this week, with announcements imminent from Toronto and New York as well. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 July 2026 However, this is also shaping up as a beautiful day, despite forecasts predicting rising heat. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 14 July 2026 SummerSlam and All In are shaping up to be must-watch events. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2026 With Tadej Pogačar dominant in yellow, the sprint competition is shaping up into one of the Tour’s core storylines. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shape (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shape (up)
  1. form
  2. improve
  3. behave
  4. amend
  5. better
  6. reform
Verb
  • Unfortunately but unsurprisingly, Brooks kept his cool long enough for a circle to form around them.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 23 July 2026
  • That’s why Lee has visions of Reid joining forces with Coby White, the new leader of the Hornets’ offense, to form a bond that fosters a relationship on and off the court.
    — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
Definition of form
Verb
  • With the aim of producing an addition 200,000 degrees beyond the 1 million already projected for 2030, the university set goals to improve its graduation rates.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026
  • Given the tools on show in the macOS beta closely match those on iOS, coupled with Apple’s push to unify as many of its operating system features, there will be some cross-platform data to improve this part of Siri AI.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of improve
Verb
  • Did the safari animals behave themselves in the presence of such greatness?
    — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 20 July 2026
  • And some tourists give the rest a bad name by behaving badly, even destructively.
    — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 20 July 2026
Definition of behave
Verb
  • The city amended its 2023 agreement with Goldenrod in August 2024 to give the company more time to complete the project.
    — Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026
  • Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema to amend the filibuster so the party could pass voting rights legislation four years ago, arguing voting rights mattered more than a procedural rule.
    — Juhi Doshi, ABC News, 22 July 2026
Definition of amend
Verb
  • The final standing of seventh has not been bettered since 1954-55.
    — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • This lessens the chance of fungal diseases and betters airflow and light exposure to all parts of the plant.
    — Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 18 July 2026
Definition of better
Verb
  • The original duo last performed together in 2016, and Roxette reformed in 2024 with Gessle and Swedish singer Lena Philipsson.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 25 July 2026
  • Merz took office less than 15 months ago with pledges to reform and turn around Germany’s economy, Europe’s biggest, after years of stagnation.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026
Definition of reform

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shape (up)
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Cite this Entry

“Shape (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shape%20%28up%29. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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