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

Rain could begin late Wednesday night, with Thursday shaping up to be a wet day. — CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026

The biggest weekend of the college football season has led to fans having to make some interesting financial decisions across the country ahead of what is shaping up to be a wild Saturday. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026

The European agency says 2026 is shaping up to be the second warmest year on record, with a 20% chance of tying or exceeding 2024 for the warmest year. — Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026

Supporting actress is historically one of the Academy’s most fluid categories, and the placement gives Hüller a clearer runway than a lead field that is shaping up to be one of the most crowded in years. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026

As the styles spotted at Balenciaga, Loewe, and Miu Miu begin rolling into stores, rich earthy hues are shaping up to be this season’s most versatile neutral. — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026

As rising concerns about the cost of everyday goods, including gas and groceries, weigh on household finances, the election is shaping up to be a key test of economic sentiment. — Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea,jessica Dickler,sarah Agostino,greg Iacurci,lorie Konish,annie Nova,sharon Epperson,stephanie Dhue, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

And that’s what’s fueling what is shaping up to be an extraordinarily strong El Niño. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Kismet has Australia which is shaping up for a $567K opening, ahead of Laika’s Missing Link, Kubo and the Two String and The Boxtrolls. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 25 Oct. 2026