1
as in adjusting
to change (something) so as to make it suitable for a new use or situation
a dress shaped to the customer's particular figure
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in planning
to work out the details of (something) in advance
over the winter the committee shaped the company's new marketing strategy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shaping
His scoring, his versatility and, perhaps most importantly, his defense have been critical in shaping the matchup.
—
Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
Depending on the situation, Sirak Studios supports higher-level business needs such as refining business models, shaping investor positioning, guiding sales and hiring strategy, and developing unconventional solutions to growth challenges.
—Ethan Stone, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
The brand’s Lift Tuck technology builds shaping into the construction of the garment with a proprietary crisscross design slimming panel.
—Sarah Jones, Footwear News, 29 Apr. 2026
Every Tuesday, this new newsletter will deliver clear-eyed, authoritative intelligence on the deals, decisions, policies, and power shifts shaping one of the world’s most consequential regions, written for the people who need to act on it.
—Jim Edwards, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
This article examines how technologies such as artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, computer vision and connected monitoring systems are shaping the future of fire watch services.
—Mediawave, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Renowned for his tenure as a Philippine senator and his humanitarian work, the 47-year-old, who recently founded Manny Pacquiao Promotions, is shaping the next generation of fighters and entrepreneurs alike.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 29 Apr. 2026
The migrant workers played a profound role in shaping the economy, culture and identity of the Central Valley.
—Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
Branca served as Jackson's attorney on and off for nearly three decades, playing a key role in shaping both his business empire and global brand.
—Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
Depending on the situation, Sirak Studios supports higher-level business needs such as refining business models, shaping investor positioning, guiding sales and hiring strategy, and developing unconventional solutions to growth challenges.
—Ethan Stone, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
The brand’s Lift Tuck technology builds shaping into the construction of the garment with a proprietary crisscross design slimming panel.
—Sarah Jones, Footwear News, 29 Apr. 2026
Every Tuesday, this new newsletter will deliver clear-eyed, authoritative intelligence on the deals, decisions, policies, and power shifts shaping one of the world’s most consequential regions, written for the people who need to act on it.
—Jim Edwards, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
This article examines how technologies such as artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, computer vision and connected monitoring systems are shaping the future of fire watch services.
—Mediawave, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Renowned for his tenure as a Philippine senator and his humanitarian work, the 47-year-old, who recently founded Manny Pacquiao Promotions, is shaping the next generation of fighters and entrepreneurs alike.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 29 Apr. 2026
The migrant workers played a profound role in shaping the economy, culture and identity of the Central Valley.
—Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
Branca served as Jackson's attorney on and off for nearly three decades, playing a key role in shaping both his business empire and global brand.
—Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shaping
Verb
-
Start the conversation, make your point clearly, and let the response shape what happens next instead of adjusting midstream.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
-
In the clinical trials, most of these problems have been managed by adjusting the dose or adding supportive medications.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
An hour before Hitchcock's execution, Texas is planning to put James Broadnax to death for the 2008 double murder of two Christian music producers in the Dallas suburb of Garland.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Countries across the Gulf have arrested scores of people during the war, on charges ranging from posting images of wartime damage, to planning terrorist attacks with Iran.—
Dominic Dudley,
semafor.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
While new media have become part of journalists’ everyday workflow, the constant evolution of digital platforms poses ongoing challenges in adapting to new tools and managing the pressures of constant connectivity.—
Kirstin Pellizzaro,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The spotlight is going to be on offensive coordinator Sean Mannion and his new scheme, along with quarterback Jalen Hurts adapting to the new scheme and making improvements in 2025, but the Eagles have added explosive rookies who can create separation and make plays in the open field.—
Zach Berman,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The two were caught on camera by fellow passengers who were filming while the plane was on the runway preparing for takeoff.—
Sean Joseph OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The British Embassy in Washington, DC, posted a video on social media on April 27 giving people a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into preparing afternoon tea for 650 people.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Furthermore, new media have led to an abundance of information sources and communications, which, in turn, has led to niche marketing and polarization of content, in some cases with news organizations tailoring their content to liberal or conservative audiences.—
Kirstin Pellizzaro,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
27 Apr. 2026
-
According to a Dallas College spokesperson, the Ford ASSET program is one example of the strong partnerships the school has built with local employers, tailoring curriculum to match workforce needs.—
Robbie Owens,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In early March, engineers from the Armaments Center began designing, explosive pressing, housing manufacturing and integrating the warhead to be used on a low-cost and expendable one-way attack drone.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Apr. 2026
-
In a way, Tim Cook's superpower was always taking the innovation in Cupertino and orchestrating the external forces to bring it to life, through perfecting the supply chain and designing supplier relationships as chief operating officer, and eventually practicing international diplomacy as CEO.—
Kai Nicol-Schwarz,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Tucker’s starting to find his way as far as putting the barrel on the ball.—
Kevin Baxter,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The Senate Banking Committee advanced Kevin Warsh’s nomination along party lines on Wednesday, putting him on track for confirmation before Powell’s term as chair ends May 15.—
Eleanor Mueller,
semafor.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Crafting, puzzles, cleaning out your closet, organizing your pantry, or reading a book all fall into this category.—
Lesly Gregory,
AJC.com,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Some residents are organizing and threatening lawsuits to stop the plan.—
J.D. Miles,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shaping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shaping. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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