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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 (up)
Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register, 14 Feb. 2025
And by the early 1900s, that was shaping up to be the case.
—Sarah Holzmann, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 2025
Here in our state capital, 2025 is not shaping up to be the year of affordability.
—Tom Philp, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025
That strengthens a home-heavy profile that is otherwise shaping up well.
—Jim Root, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shape (up)
Verb
Friday was shaping up to be a rewarding day — and a busy one.
—Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register, 14 Feb. 2025
And by the early 1900s, that was shaping up to be the case.
—Sarah Holzmann, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 2025
Here in our state capital, 2025 is not shaping up to be the year of affordability.
—Tom Philp, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025
That strengthens a home-heavy profile that is otherwise shaping up well.
—Jim Root, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
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 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share