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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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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Recent Examples of shape (up)
Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 19 Oct. 2024
Oregon's 5th Congressional District race is shaping up to be a key battleground in the fight for a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives next year.
—Meira Gebel, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024
While 2022 stands as its most successful year (The Black Phone and Halloween Ends each posted nine-figure returns), 2024 has shaped up to be a wobbly span of months for the company.
—Chris Lee, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024
Republicans are running Tom Barrett against Democrat Curtis Hertel Jr. — both of whom are former state senators — in a race that is shaping up to be a competitive battle.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for shape (up) 
Verb
Between Lindsay Lohan's hot girl walks and Katie Holmes recent off-duty look, cardigans are quickly shaping up to be this year's hottest pre-winter layering piece after years of being outshined by oversized blazers and bomber jackets.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 19 Oct. 2024
Oregon's 5th Congressional District race is shaping up to be a key battleground in the fight for a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives next year.
—Meira Gebel, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024
While 2022 stands as its most successful year (The Black Phone and Halloween Ends each posted nine-figure returns), 2024 has shaped up to be a wobbly span of months for the company.
—Chris Lee, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024
Republicans are running Tom Barrett against Democrat Curtis Hertel Jr. — both of whom are former state senators — in a race that is shaping up to be a competitive battle.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for shape (up)
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Cite this Entry
“Shape (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shape%20%28up%29. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
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