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
In the studio, though, the band remains focused on the work and is already shaping its next musical era.
—
Rebecca Cairns, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
The brand’s return to NYFW centered on honoring a community of women shaping today’s creative landscape.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026
The consulting giant, which defined top performers as companies with an average growth rate of at least 10% in revenue and earnings over the past three years, says 64% of CIOs at those firms are highly involved in shaping the business agenda.
—John Kell, Fortune, 18 Feb. 2026
There's a lot at stake for the tech companies, since this is considered a test case, potentially shaping the outcome of some 1,600 other pending social media addiction cases that have been consolidated from parents of children and school districts.
—Bobby Allyn, NPR, 18 Feb. 2026
Teacher preparation programs play an outsized role in shaping educators’ understanding of their responsibilities.
—Dana Stangel-Plowe, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026
Designed specifically for those under 5-foot-4, these jeans are shaping and offer all-day support.
—Melony Forcier, InStyle, 17 Feb. 2026
Some defendants who pleaded guilty could still testify, potentially shaping how this trial unfolds.
—Lauren Crawford, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026
Join SciAm for an insightful conversation on the trends and innovations shaping AI in the year ahead.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 17 Feb. 2026
Rebecca Cairns, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
The brand’s return to NYFW centered on honoring a community of women shaping today’s creative landscape.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026
The consulting giant, which defined top performers as companies with an average growth rate of at least 10% in revenue and earnings over the past three years, says 64% of CIOs at those firms are highly involved in shaping the business agenda.
—John Kell, Fortune, 18 Feb. 2026
There's a lot at stake for the tech companies, since this is considered a test case, potentially shaping the outcome of some 1,600 other pending social media addiction cases that have been consolidated from parents of children and school districts.
—Bobby Allyn, NPR, 18 Feb. 2026
Teacher preparation programs play an outsized role in shaping educators’ understanding of their responsibilities.
—Dana Stangel-Plowe, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026
Designed specifically for those under 5-foot-4, these jeans are shaping and offer all-day support.
—Melony Forcier, InStyle, 17 Feb. 2026
Some defendants who pleaded guilty could still testify, potentially shaping how this trial unfolds.
—Lauren Crawford, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026
Join SciAm for an insightful conversation on the trends and innovations shaping AI in the year ahead.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 17 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shaping
Verb
-
By adjusting slurry mixing and drying protocols alone, the team reduced internal ionic resistance in their test electrodes by up to 40 percent.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Feb. 2026
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But those who want to learn more would be well-advised to read this essay, which explains how casting a small film requires adjusting your life to a distinct rhythm and watching endless amounts of material.—
Dana Harris-Bridson,
IndieWire,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Over the next few years, Connecticut Water is planning 26 projects around the state targeting PFAS filtration to meet the new EPA regulations by the 2029 deadline.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Be sure to check out our guide to checking the safety of eclipse glasses, along with our top 10 tips for planning your 2026 solar eclipse trip.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
O’Donoghue is adapting her book for the small screen.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Farmers have proven resilient time and again, adapting to changing markets, weather extremes and economic uncertainty.—
Joe Dymek,
Baltimore Sun,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The organization relies on community support and is preparing for a Mother's Day fundraiser to continue the work.—
Wakisha Bailey,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Fine restaurants must wait for customers’ orders before preparing the food.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Williams won his first of five Oscars for Fiddler on the Roof, seamlessly tailoring the Broadway musical's score to the big screen.—
Alex Galbraith,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Feb. 2026
-
As fall experts, physical therapists have specialized knowledge in assessing patients and tailoring treatment plans to prevent falls.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In designing the Grange, Davies had a rule that everything needed to be ordered and symmetrical.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Which institutional intel has proved crucial for designing modern missions.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In 2024, girl group ILLIT became the first K-pop rookie group to enter the Billboard 100 with their debut single, putting a bigger spotlight on the talent platformed in these shows.—
Rebecca Cairns,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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Even with an already comfortable lead, Coronado’s attack kept putting shots on frame, logging two second-half goals.—
Clark Fahrenthold,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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And now the daughters and granddaughters of the Ladies Aid and League of Catholic Women’s groups are organizing food, shelter, and finances against stone-cold invaders.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Feb. 2026
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The Union of Vietnamese Student Associations of Southern California has been organizing the Tết Festival for more than 40 years.—
Heather McRea,
Oc Register,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shaping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shaping. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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