shaped (up) 1 of 2

past tense of shape (up)
as in formed
to take on a definite form this group of summer interns is shaping up to be one of the best we've ever hired

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shaped up

2 of 2

verb (2)

past tense of shape up
as in straightened (up or out)
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

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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 shaped (up)
Verb
The race had shaped up as one of the best of the 35 runnings of the Pacific Classic after Repole and Pletcher decided to ship Fierceness out from New York and lead owner Aron Wellman and trainer McCarthy opted to keep Journalism in California. Kevin Modesti, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shaped (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shaped%20%28up%29. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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