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
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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)
Glenn Garner, Deadline, 7 May 2026
The June top-two primary election is shaping up to be more interesting than usual, as Californians wrestle with an open gubernatorial race and a variety of post-gerrymandering congressional races that could determine which party controls the House of Representatives.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 7 May 2026
Ohio's 2024 Senate race was the most expensive of the cycle, and this year's Senate contest is already shaping up to be costly.
—Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 6 May 2026
This was shaping up to be a very expensive summer to fly.
—Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 6 May 2026
Creative retreats — trips built around making something — are shaping up to be one of the defining travel trends of 2026, and the options have never been more varied.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
Collaborations aside, May is already shaping up to be a huge month for New Balance releases.
—Riley Jones, Footwear News, 6 May 2026
The intrigue only adds to the mystique surrounding what is shaping up to be one of Miami’s most ambitious residential builds.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 5 May 2026
River levels are rising in Boise April is shaping up to be the wettest in Boise history, according to previous Idaho Statesman reporting.
—Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
With the 84th Golden Globes shaping up for next January, the awards show is confronting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) with new eligibility rules.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 7 May 2026
The June top-two primary election is shaping up to be more interesting than usual, as Californians wrestle with an open gubernatorial race and a variety of post-gerrymandering congressional races that could determine which party controls the House of Representatives.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 7 May 2026
Ohio's 2024 Senate race was the most expensive of the cycle, and this year's Senate contest is already shaping up to be costly.
—Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 6 May 2026
This was shaping up to be a very expensive summer to fly.
—Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 6 May 2026
Creative retreats — trips built around making something — are shaping up to be one of the defining travel trends of 2026, and the options have never been more varied.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
Collaborations aside, May is already shaping up to be a huge month for New Balance releases.
—Riley Jones, Footwear News, 6 May 2026
The intrigue only adds to the mystique surrounding what is shaping up to be one of Miami’s most ambitious residential builds.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 5 May 2026
River levels are rising in Boise April is shaping up to be the wettest in Boise history, according to previous Idaho Statesman reporting.
—Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shaping (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shaping%20%28up%29. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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