as in to form
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 to improve
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shape (up)
Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
The Colleen Hoover adaptation is shaping up to be a modest hit for the studio, which spent $25 million on the romantic drama.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 29 Mar. 2026
Late May and early June are shaping up beautifully for rest and personal restoration.
—Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
Sunday was shaping up as a two-person race between players who already have won this year.
—ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shape (up)
Verb
Right now, there isn't a significant severe risk shaping up with this, but strong storms along the dryline to our west could erupt as early as Tuesday.
—Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
The Colleen Hoover adaptation is shaping up to be a modest hit for the studio, which spent $25 million on the romantic drama.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 29 Mar. 2026
Late May and early June are shaping up beautifully for rest and personal restoration.
—Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
Sunday was shaping up as a two-person race between players who already have won this year.
—ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shape (up)
Cite this Entry
“Shape (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shape%20%28up%29. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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