1
as in health
a state of being or fitness
she was in good shape after having worked outdoors all summer long
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in form
the outward appearance of something as distinguished from its substance
that part of the state is known as the panhandle because of its shape
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to adapt
to change (something) so as to make it suitable for a new use or situation
a dress shaped to the customer's particular figure
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to plan
to work out the details of (something) in advance
over the winter the committee shaped the company's new marketing strategy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of shape
Miguel Claro, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2025
This unique shape gives this cosmic merger its nickname: The Guitar.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 23 Apr. 2025
Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Right now that's being shaped by wars, civil instability and polarization, and that includes the U.S.
—Nia Dumas, NPR, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shape
Noun
Despite these faint clouds, all the galaxy shape has a strong emission visible with Ha 3nm filter.
—Miguel Claro, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2025
This unique shape gives this cosmic merger its nickname: The Guitar.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
Ancient Greek and Roman thinkers play major roles in this account, shaping how political theorists in early modern Italy, England, France, and the American colonies would later talk about laws, institutions, and republican government.
—Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Right now that's being shaped by wars, civil instability and polarization, and that includes the U.S.
—Nia Dumas, NPR, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shape
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shape
Noun
-
Since January the Trump administration has slashed federal funding for research projects centered on equity, health disparities and marginalized communities.—
Angel Algarin,
Scientific American,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Save the Children, one of UNICEF’s major last-mile distributors, typically gives out emergency therapeutic food at clinics where mothers can also give birth and take their infants for health screenings.—
Hana Kiros,
The Atlantic,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The deal aims to quash the primary source of contention, the appointment of bishops, which is a modern-day form of the Medieval Investiture controversy.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Newsweek reached out to the U.S. State Department by submission form on Thursday afternoon for comment.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Dever, thankfully, did not try to achieve a bodybuilder physique for the show, and Abby never should have had one in the game.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Michigan cornerback Will Johnson Johnson looks like Jalen Ramsey in appearance, physique, and style of play.—
Omar Kelly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Business leaders must be comfortable with continuously adapting strategies to leverage AI advancements.—
Maribel Lopez,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
-
The social media company's lawyers pointed to other platforms adapting short-form videos like YouTube shorts, Snapchat, X (formerly known as Twitter) and LinkedIn as examples of similar responses to TikTok’s success.—
Beatrice Peterson,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The new vehicle is also planned for eventual production in China and Europe, Reuters has previously reported.—
Abhirup Roy,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Local clubs planned their yearly budgets around when their members could work the concession stands.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
As far as the long-term effects, frequent and heavy alcohol consumption can lead to serious health conditions like liver disease, heart problems, increased cancer risk and damage to the nervous system.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
-
The huge wealth gap fueled resentment and demands for better conditions.—
Lauren Frayer,
NPR,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Secondly, the way that minerals (such as calcium carbonate) are deposited onto the mycelium structure usually can't be controlled to have the kind of internal geometry that would make the material strong and durable.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
21 Apr. 2025
-
The world was meant to sit back and respect the sacred, obscure geometry of his plan, but Congress, Wall Street, corporate executives, and even Musk were publicly backing away.—
Antonia Hitchens,
New Yorker,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Combining traditional sales and streaming data, the list paints a picture of what Americans are actually listening to, and this frame, that includes one of the hard rock genre’s all-time greatest efforts.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
With a deftness of touch that often belies his 6ft frame, the 25-year-old will often look to drive his team forward single-handedly with his close control.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shape.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shape. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share