SHAPES (UP) Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

shapes (up) 1 of 2

verb (1)

present tense third-person singular of shape (up)

as in forms

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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shapes up

2 of 2

verb (2)

present tense third-person singular of shape up

as in improves

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 shapes (up)

Verb

Below are Maxwell’s projections and a brief look at how Class A shapes up in 2026. — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026 The exact way that Chelsea’s defence shapes up around Lacroix will be intriguing. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 25 July 2026 Senate passage of the bill shapes up as a rare bipartisan legislative achievement when much of Republicans’ agenda has stalled. — Michael Casey, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026 As the two bond in short order, our previously flailing hero shapes up very quickly indeed, soon shedding his substance abuse problems and entering a healthy relationship with dreamy social worker Oscar (Diego Calva). — Guy Lodge, Variety, 16 May 2026 Get your popcorn, kick up your feet and get ready for what shapes up to be an epic showdown in the Final Four nightcap on Saturday night. — ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026 The 75th Florida Derby — a top race that has produced 26 Kentucky Derby winners — shapes up as this year’s biggest prep heading into the May 2 Run for the Roses. — Clark Spencer, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026 Sunday shapes up to be more than a two-man race. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shapes (up)

Verb

The challenge is that manganese telluride normally forms multiple magnetic domains, which can point in different directions.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
In 1933 Mississippi, a group of female friends forms a defiant bond.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of forms

Verb

This reduces dependence on satellite navigation, improves resistance to electronic warfare, and enables attacks against discrete or moving targets such as ships, trains, and vehicles.

— Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Strengthening the core improves balance and stability, which supports movement and physical performance, experts say.

— Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of improves

Verb

Then, as homes are sold, responsibility passes to an HOA board that interprets, enforces and sometimes amends the rules.

— Daniel Kramer, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026
The San Marcos City Council, on June 16, adopted a new ordinance that amends its zoning rules to effectively ban data center development in the city, citing concerns about the strain these projects would place on local water and energy resources.

— Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of amends

Verb

There’s that churro bread pudding, the one with a junkyard origin story that breaks down the churros and then reforms them into a dense and perfect block as powerful as an Avengers movie prop.

— Mike Sutter, San Antonio Express-News, 22 Apr. 2026
Kentucky's General Assembly has passed House Bill 2, which reforms the state's Medicaid program.

— Keely Doll, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Apr. 2026

Definition of reforms

Verb

That's a useful number for any Iowa fleet thinking about downtime, because tires are one of the systems that behaves when the routine holds up.

— Malana VanTyler, Ascend Agency, 11 Aug. 2026
Checking whether someone’s disability behaves identically every day is the most damaging thing a manager can do.

— Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of behaves

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shapes (up)

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“Shapes (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shapes%20%28up%29. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of shapes (up)

verb (1)

verb (2)

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