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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of shaping (up)
Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
The dismissal prematurely ended what was shaping up to be a strong outing for Brown, who had eight points, seven assists and two rebounds in 15 minutes.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
The 98th annual Academy Awards are shaping up to be one to remember for fans.
—Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 11 Mar. 2026
Here’s how each of us sees the squad shaping up about a week before it gets announced – a largely united approach with just one difference.
—Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Named for the famous French liqueur, chartreuse is shaping up to be the shade of spring.
—Christina Holevas, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2026
The starting infield is shaping up with Murakami at first base, Meidroth at second, Montgomery at shortstop and Vargas at third.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026
The year is still young, but 2026 is already shaping up as a memorable one for jazz in San Diego with a record number of spring concerts in store.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
Saturday is shaping up to be the cooler and wetter half of the weekend; afternoon temperatures peak in the 50s and lower 60s.
—Cutter Martin, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
Okay, let’s get into all else that went down on episode 3 of Survivor 50 in what is shaping up to be an unbelievable season so far.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
The dismissal prematurely ended what was shaping up to be a strong outing for Brown, who had eight points, seven assists and two rebounds in 15 minutes.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
The 98th annual Academy Awards are shaping up to be one to remember for fans.
—Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 11 Mar. 2026
Here’s how each of us sees the squad shaping up about a week before it gets announced – a largely united approach with just one difference.
—Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Named for the famous French liqueur, chartreuse is shaping up to be the shade of spring.
—Christina Holevas, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2026
The starting infield is shaping up with Murakami at first base, Meidroth at second, Montgomery at shortstop and Vargas at third.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026
The year is still young, but 2026 is already shaping up as a memorable one for jazz in San Diego with a record number of spring concerts in store.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
Saturday is shaping up to be the cooler and wetter half of the weekend; afternoon temperatures peak in the 50s and lower 60s.
—Cutter Martin, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shaping (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shaping%20%28up%29. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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