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
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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)
Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
Photo : Hublot Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Chronograph
New color variations in limited editions of long time fave models are shaping up to be a trend so far this year, creating an opportunity for collectors to sport new versions of existing pieces in limited series.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 21 Jan. 2025
With those cuts scheduled to expire at the end of the year, the battle over which taxpayers should retain their benefits into 2026 is shaping up to be among the biggest clashes in Washington.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
The blazes have at least 27 people and are shaping up to be one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for shape (up) 
Verb
With the new coaching staff and a solid quarterback to build around with Drake Maye, the Patriots are shaping up to be a team to watch out for next season.
—Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
Photo : Hublot Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Chronograph
New color variations in limited editions of long time fave models are shaping up to be a trend so far this year, creating an opportunity for collectors to sport new versions of existing pieces in limited series.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 21 Jan. 2025
With those cuts scheduled to expire at the end of the year, the battle over which taxpayers should retain their benefits into 2026 is shaping up to be among the biggest clashes in Washington.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
The blazes have at least 27 people and are shaping up to be one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for shape (up)
Thesaurus Entries Near shape (up)
Cite this Entry
“Shape (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shape%20%28up%29. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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