as in forming
to take on a definite form
this group of summer interns is shaping up to be one of the best we've ever hired
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in straightening (up or out)
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 (up)
Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2025
With construction underway, the project is shaping up as more than just the latest luxury escape.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2025
Of course, brown kicks are shaping up to be the biggest sneaker trend of the season, particularly in slim, retro styles.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 25 Sep. 2025
But next year is shaping up to be a little better for homebuyers everywhere, as mortgage rates are trending down and many markets—especially in the Sun Belt—are shifting in favor of buyers.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Here's a look at the Underground Railroad buildings that still stand in the Hamilton County city and how the art is shaping up.
—Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 24 Sep. 2025
Jimmy Kimmel is back on the airwaves, and his opening monologue from his Tuesday night return to ABC is already shaping up to be one of his most-watched ever.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2025
The bigger picture is that travel demand has defied shaky economic data and is shaping up to be more of a secular bull market than the cyclical story many assumed.
—Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
This season is shaping up to be quite different, with the extensive list of injuries only two weeks in.
—Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
Meanwhile, third-quarter growth is shaping up to be hotter.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2025
With construction underway, the project is shaping up as more than just the latest luxury escape.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2025
Of course, brown kicks are shaping up to be the biggest sneaker trend of the season, particularly in slim, retro styles.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 25 Sep. 2025
But next year is shaping up to be a little better for homebuyers everywhere, as mortgage rates are trending down and many markets—especially in the Sun Belt—are shifting in favor of buyers.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Here's a look at the Underground Railroad buildings that still stand in the Hamilton County city and how the art is shaping up.
—Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 24 Sep. 2025
Jimmy Kimmel is back on the airwaves, and his opening monologue from his Tuesday night return to ABC is already shaping up to be one of his most-watched ever.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2025
The bigger picture is that travel demand has defied shaky economic data and is shaping up to be more of a secular bull market than the cyclical story many assumed.
—Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
This season is shaping up to be quite different, with the extensive list of injuries only two weeks in.
—Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shaping (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shaping%20%28up%29. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share