1
as in adjusting
to change (something) so as to make it suitable for a new use or situation
a dress shaped to the customer's particular figure
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in planning
to work out the details of (something) in advance
over the winter the committee shaped the company's new marketing strategy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shaping
Wellington was instrumental in shaping the modern NFL, championing new ideas.
—
Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
Andreea Roberts leads technology marketing globally at Cognizant, helping clients convert new technologies into market-shaping advantage.
—Ravi Kumar S, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
The documentary highlights Michaels’ transition from in-ring performer to his work shaping the next generation of talent, offering insight into his influence behind the scenes.
—Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026
The declassified materials have sharpened scrutiny of how the 2017 intelligence assessment document was produced in the final weeks of the Obama administration, when senior intelligence officials were shaping conclusions about Russian election interference.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 1 Apr. 2026
Both Guess and Hysteric Glamour are rooted in shaping cultural identity.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2026
Two competing forces are currently shaping the work of people leaders at many major businesses.
—Francesca Cassidy, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2026
As naval forces continue to adopt autonomous systems, such advancements are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the future of underwater warfare and maritime security.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Mar. 2026
The threat of a lockout will loom over the season, perhaps shaping how teams approach player moves at the deadline and the early part of the offseason.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
Andreea Roberts leads technology marketing globally at Cognizant, helping clients convert new technologies into market-shaping advantage.
—Ravi Kumar S, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
The documentary highlights Michaels’ transition from in-ring performer to his work shaping the next generation of talent, offering insight into his influence behind the scenes.
—Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026
The declassified materials have sharpened scrutiny of how the 2017 intelligence assessment document was produced in the final weeks of the Obama administration, when senior intelligence officials were shaping conclusions about Russian election interference.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 1 Apr. 2026
Both Guess and Hysteric Glamour are rooted in shaping cultural identity.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2026
Two competing forces are currently shaping the work of people leaders at many major businesses.
—Francesca Cassidy, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2026
As naval forces continue to adopt autonomous systems, such advancements are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the future of underwater warfare and maritime security.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Mar. 2026
The threat of a lockout will loom over the season, perhaps shaping how teams approach player moves at the deadline and the early part of the offseason.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shaping
Verb
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As Kaiko continues adjusting to life indoors, Turner hopes her story will help others recognize the long‑term consequences of unethical breeding—and the difference a safe, loving home can make.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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Of course, other settings for adding profile pictures to agents' profiles and adjusting their permissions also require attention.—
John Brandon,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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After suffering a brutal knockout at UFC Seattle, Maycee Barber is already planning her comeback.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Browne’s family is planning an event honoring him in mid-May.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The setup uses a modulation technique that splits data into multiple frequency channels, allowing efficient use of bandwidth while adapting to signal conditions.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Mar. 2026
-
And the title Illumination is adapting, with some other references pulled here and there from throughout franchise history, is among his most creative and wondrous adventures.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The process involved preparing documents showing proof of employment or family ties that signal an applicant isn’t likely to overstay their visa.—
Albert Samaha,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
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In the face of this uncertainty, companies and other organizations are preparing for a world in which the conflict — and subsequent jolt to crude prices — becomes a long-term challenge, affecting everything from travel planning to mail delivery.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Importantly, these moderating effects persisted even when bots were given information about users’ political leanings, suggesting the influence is not just a result of tailoring responses to users.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
31 Mar. 2026
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From Sirena, your guide will lead you along trails through the secondary forest, tailoring the route to get a glimpse of the wildlife.—
Meghan Palmer,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Kluge remained active into his 90s, writing books and designing art exhibitions.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Mar. 2026
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In Los Angeles on Wednesday, a jury found both YouTube and Meta, which owns and operates platforms including Instagram and Facebook, liable for harms to children for designing their platforms to hook young users.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The city is putting the North Texas Street business district in the spotlight as other local investments, like building a new recreation center, are underway.—
Ashley Sharp,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
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The Heat made a third-quarter push to get back into the game, putting together its own impressive shooting display in the period.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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He and Mason envision using the app in conjunction with a sports property, like organizing nationwide college tournaments for World Pong without the cost of dispatching operators to each location.—
Justin Birnbaum,
Sportico.com,
26 Mar. 2026
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That’s a song about a heavy topic — organizing an intervention for one of your best friends.—
Mikael Wood,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shaping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shaping. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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