Synonyms of shaping (up)

shaping (up) 1 of 2

verb (1)

present participle of shape (up)

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

• forming
• crystallizing
• connecting
• linking (up)
• solidifying
• joining
• combining
• jelling
• coupling
• cohering
• fusing
• coalescing
• uniting
• unifying
• associating
• conjugating
• conjoining

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• breaking down
• decaying
• decomposing
• disintegrating

shaping up

2 of 2

verb (2)

present participle of shape up

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

• straightening (up or out)
• improving
• cleaning up one's act
• amending
• behaving
• reforming
• regenerating
• mending
• bettering

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• regressing
• backsliding

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of shaping (up)

Verb

But a gold rush is shaping up to profit from new workarounds to the Strait of Hormuz. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 30 July 2026

Friday’s Bank of Japan decision is shaping up to be the most consequential moment of Governor Kazuo Ueda’s tenure — and a defining fork in the economic path. — William Pesek, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Her first year in office is shaping up to be a test of her mettle. — Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 29 July 2026

The stacked bob is shaping up to be one of summer’s biggest hair trends, thanks to its chic, shorter length and volume-boosting shape. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 23 July 2026

Without providing an exact number, the secretary’s office noted that voter turnout is shaping up to be pretty strong, as compared to previous cycles. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 22 July 2026

Baltimore is shaping up for a fairly typical midsummer week, with a mix of sunshine, heat, and humidity and a good chance of thunderstorms midweek. — The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Sun, 19 July 2026

The fall festival season is shaping up fast this week, with announcements imminent from Toronto and New York as well. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 July 2026

However, this is also shaping up as a beautiful day, despite forecasts predicting rising heat. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 14 July 2026