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
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 shaping
The First Gulf War really had a catalytic effect in shaping how China thought about its own military modernization program.
—
Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026
Variety’s Entertainment Marketing Summit brought together leaders shaping the future of entertainment marketing and spotlighted the growth of the creator economy, strategies for how brands can reconnect with audiences and more.
—Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026
The migrant workers played a profound role in shaping the economy, culture and identity of the Central Valley.
—Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Grandmasters chronicles the rivalries, reinventions, and personal battles shaping the modern pursuit of greatness in the game of kings.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 Apr. 2026
As the Teacher of the Year, Smith will spend a year promoting the pivotal role educators play in shaping the next generation.
—ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
Energy security concerns are shaping EV demand, says Samuel Chng, a research assistant professor at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).
—Angelica Ang, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
Interest rates are a major competing force One of the biggest factors shaping gold's outlook right now is interest rates.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
Approximately 45 states now allow high school athletes to earn NIL money, which shows the professionalization of youth sports and illuminates how parents can play a decisive role in shaping their children’s earnings.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026
Variety’s Entertainment Marketing Summit brought together leaders shaping the future of entertainment marketing and spotlighted the growth of the creator economy, strategies for how brands can reconnect with audiences and more.
—Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026
The migrant workers played a profound role in shaping the economy, culture and identity of the Central Valley.
—Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Grandmasters chronicles the rivalries, reinventions, and personal battles shaping the modern pursuit of greatness in the game of kings.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 Apr. 2026
As the Teacher of the Year, Smith will spend a year promoting the pivotal role educators play in shaping the next generation.
—ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
Energy security concerns are shaping EV demand, says Samuel Chng, a research assistant professor at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).
—Angelica Ang, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
Interest rates are a major competing force One of the biggest factors shaping gold's outlook right now is interest rates.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
Approximately 45 states now allow high school athletes to earn NIL money, which shows the professionalization of youth sports and illuminates how parents can play a decisive role in shaping their children’s earnings.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shaping
Verb
-
Hathaway, who drew on the star power she’s accumulated over the past 20 years, credited the film’s producers for quickly adjusting to her request.—
Antonio Ferme,
Variety,
21 Apr. 2026
-
While some people turn to melatonin or prescription sleep aids, research suggests that adjusting your diet may help support better rest.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The district recently approved new course materials for some high school math courses, and is planning for a middle school Spanish language arts pilot and new advanced high school welding class to start next school year.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
-
JPMorgan Chase is planning to consolidate workspace for existing Charlotte workers and account for more hiring by moving into a SouthPark office that has room for over 1,000 workers, further expanding its push into the hometown territory of rival banks.—
Chase Jordan
April 21,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
That said, perhaps in response to adapting overseas conflicts and record stock market returns, the mortgage rate climate is changing again, this time in an encouraging way for borrowers.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Officials worked with Mi’kmaw archaeological technicians alongside both underwater and terrestrial archaeologists to excavate and document the wreck, adapting their methods to Sable Island's shifting sands.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Subscribe today Hello, this is Hui Jie writing to you from Singapore, while Leonie is away preparing for CNBC’s CONVERGE LIVE event, featuring names like former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and Capital Group CEO Mike Gitlin.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Last week, Quié, who has the build of a refrigerator and the energy of a hummingbird, was at the Charles Pan-Fried Chicken on 145th Street, preparing for another collaboration.—
Zach Helfand,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Finnish officials say their model would draw from these examples while tailoring their approach.—
Jessica Mekles,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2026
-
At times, Bieber appeared more focused on the livestream than the in-person crowd, referencing feedback from viewers and tailoring parts of the set in real time.—
Shafiq Najib,
ABC News,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
So instead of guessing or relying purely on theory, scientists can now directly measure how entangled a material is—an essential step for designing better quantum devices.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The event was the inaugural Miami finale of the Green Heart STEM Challenge, a national program of the Captain Planet Foundation that tasks students in grades six through nine with identifying environmental issues in their communities and designing practical, implementable solutions.—
Ethan Stone,
Miami Herald,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In between, Michael Carrick took United to Stamford Bridge and won, putting the club on the brink of Champions League qualification.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Longtime friends and streetwear giants Nigo and Jun Takahashi are putting their minds together once again — and now with Nike in the mix.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
All three releases belong to a rapidly expanding category of interactive entertainment that’s defined less by compelling characters and storylines than the calming effect of creating and organizing a functional system.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Nate Northup, a PVGC member and Master Gardener, said he was involved in organizing the Garden University educational piece of the event last year and decided to suggest extending it with speakers this year.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shaping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shaping. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
