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
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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
When that understanding sits exclusively with external advisors, leaders are forced into a reactive posture, waiting for answers instead of shaping them.
—
Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Columns & Newsletters Ongoing commentary from our roster of columnists who interpret the ideas shaping the moment.
—Daphne Koller, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders will get a new name, new voices shaping its content and a new approach that will add more layers to a diagnosis.
—Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 28 Jan. 2026
These shaping flare jeans are 75 percent off, putting them at $39 in the spring-ready linen shade.
—Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2026
Money went to ad campaigns to either solidify the wins of crypto-friendly politicians or to topple the advancements of crypto critics, but in each instance, the ads didn’t focus on the benefits of crypto, shaping ad content to whatever angle was mostly likely to influence the outcome of the race.
—Trevor Laurence Jockims, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026
Videos shared online are now central to shaping public perception and understanding of events, experts said.
—Ava Berger, NPR, 28 Jan. 2026
For students like junior Dominic Sobrero, the class is already shaping future plans.
—Conor McGill, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
As executive director, Keller will oversee all aspects of Wrightwood 659’s operations, including managing the building, shaping exhibitions, planning public programs and events and producing exhibition publications.
—Eva Remijan-Toba, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Columns & Newsletters Ongoing commentary from our roster of columnists who interpret the ideas shaping the moment.
—Daphne Koller, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders will get a new name, new voices shaping its content and a new approach that will add more layers to a diagnosis.
—Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 28 Jan. 2026
These shaping flare jeans are 75 percent off, putting them at $39 in the spring-ready linen shade.
—Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2026
Money went to ad campaigns to either solidify the wins of crypto-friendly politicians or to topple the advancements of crypto critics, but in each instance, the ads didn’t focus on the benefits of crypto, shaping ad content to whatever angle was mostly likely to influence the outcome of the race.
—Trevor Laurence Jockims, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026
Videos shared online are now central to shaping public perception and understanding of events, experts said.
—Ava Berger, NPR, 28 Jan. 2026
For students like junior Dominic Sobrero, the class is already shaping future plans.
—Conor McGill, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
As executive director, Keller will oversee all aspects of Wrightwood 659’s operations, including managing the building, shaping exhibitions, planning public programs and events and producing exhibition publications.
—Eva Remijan-Toba, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shaping
Verb
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Cover pan; cook, stirring occasionally and adjusting heat as needed to ensure mixture stays at a gentle simmer, until fennel is very tender, 15–20 minutes.—
Shilpa Uskokovic,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
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There are physical control buttons on the headphones for turning ANC on and off and adjusting the volume.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Volunteering For One High-Visibility Initiative When the year begins, many teams are planning major initiatives, strategic meetings or kickoffs for important projects.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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Several New Jersey school districts are planning to welcome students back on Tuesday, but some places, like Jersey City, have been forced to cancel classes for a second day due to the clean-up after the snowstorm proving to be a daunting task.—
Andrew Ramos,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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For a coach who thinks running the ball is for squares and suckers, that’s not exactly adapting one’s philosophy to fit your personnel.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
27 Jan. 2026
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Joe Robert Cole is adapting the book for the screen and will also serve as executive producer and showrunner in addition to directing multiple episodes, including the first.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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With another icy day expected on Tuesday, many medical professionals are preparing to spend another night here at the hospital.—
Erin Jones,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
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Later clarification confirmed that the submarine is still preparing for submerged operations.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Louis Vuitton used straighter tailoring proportions on their oversized tailoring, giving an illusion of structure while still providing movement, while Japanese label TAAKK creatively used pleated pants as a contrast to everything from furry bomber jackets to chunky sweater vests.—
Brett F. Braley-Palko,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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Prices start around 180 euros for a jersey T-shirt and 370 euros for tops in tailoring fabrics such as poplin shirts and go up to 1,300 euros for blazers and 1,900 euros for leather garments.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Freescape did not expend all its creativity designing the patented inflatable roof, saving plenty for the flexible lower floor plan.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 Jan. 2026
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In addition to his own home décor label, Adler has collaborated with buzzy brands, including designing a house for cultural icon Barbie.—
Sarah Jones,
Footwear News,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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That, and putting your people first, is what matters first and foremost; everything else follows after.—
Rachel Wells,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Washington — Federal Reserve officials convene this week at a pivotal moment in the US central bank’s 112-year history, with a series of historic events putting a spotlight on their ability to set interest rates without political interference.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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By organizing around these strengths, firms created a world of selling that still looks surprisingly similar to how many digital platforms operate today.—
Paula de la Cruz,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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Don’t worry too much about organizing everything perfectly here.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shaping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shaping. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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