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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shaping (up)
Diamond Vences, Charlotte Observer, 6 Nov. 2025
The medical costs are shaping up to be significant.
—Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2025
We’re thrilled to welcome you to what’s shaping up to be an incredible event.
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025
The race is shaping up to be one to watch nationally.
—Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 3 Nov. 2025
Even better, 2026 is shaping up to be a fantastic time to visit one of the international Disney theme parks.
—Megan Dubois, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025
Arkansas’ best offense in a decade is being wasted by a defense that is shaping up to be one of the worst in program history.
—Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025
While most of the squad have returned to their various European clubs, the select J-League representatives return home to play their part in the climax of what is shaping up to be another thrilling title fight.
—Jack Bantock, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Part of life moving on is appointing a new battalion chief, which was shaping up to be quite a fight, with Bode and Jake going at each other at the funeral.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
Dowdle had just rumbled into the end zone for his second touchdown of what was shaping up to be a great day.
—Diamond Vences, Charlotte Observer, 6 Nov. 2025
The medical costs are shaping up to be significant.
—Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2025
We’re thrilled to welcome you to what’s shaping up to be an incredible event.
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025
The race is shaping up to be one to watch nationally.
—Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 3 Nov. 2025
Even better, 2026 is shaping up to be a fantastic time to visit one of the international Disney theme parks.
—Megan Dubois, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025
Arkansas’ best offense in a decade is being wasted by a defense that is shaping up to be one of the worst in program history.
—Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025
While most of the squad have returned to their various European clubs, the select J-League representatives return home to play their part in the climax of what is shaping up to be another thrilling title fight.
—Jack Bantock, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Part of life moving on is appointing a new battalion chief, which was shaping up to be quite a fight, with Bode and Jake going at each other at the funeral.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shaping (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shaping%20%28up%29. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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