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
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Recent Examples of shape (up)
Yacob Reyes, Axios, 28 Mar. 2025
Waltz's seat is shaping up to be more competitive than expected, and Republicans don't want to risk any more potential races.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 28 Mar. 2025
In the middle of what is shaping up to be an incredibly tight promotion race in the 2. Bundesliga, legendary German club 1.
—Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
The race for the open near west side seat to be vacated by Kerry McCormack is shaping up to be one of the year's most lively.
—Sam Allard, Axios, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shape (up)
Verb
There's a big fight over tax cuts shaping up in Tallahassee.
—Yacob Reyes, Axios, 28 Mar. 2025
Waltz's seat is shaping up to be more competitive than expected, and Republicans don't want to risk any more potential races.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 28 Mar. 2025
In the middle of what is shaping up to be an incredibly tight promotion race in the 2. Bundesliga, legendary German club 1.
—Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
The race for the open near west side seat to be vacated by Kerry McCormack is shaping up to be one of the year's most lively.
—Sam Allard, Axios, 25 Mar. 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 22 Apr. 2025.
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