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)
The Hill Staff, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025
Thanks to the recent rise of chunky jewelry and a big focus on coastal aesthetics for spring and summer, statement pearls are shaping up to the absolutely everywhere in the next few months.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 30 Mar. 2025
With Mustard’s high-energy beats and SZA’s soulful performances joining Lamar’s electric stage presence, the Grand National Tour is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 2 Apr. 2025
What To Know This year's housing market is shaping up to be a buyer's one, according to experts, as inventory is growing and mortgage rates continue hovering between 6 percent and 7 percent.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shape (up)
Verb
Florida voters are heading to the polls to choose a replacement for former Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), the current national security adviser, in what has shaped up to be a major referendum on President Trump’s first few months back in office.
—The Hill Staff, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025
Thanks to the recent rise of chunky jewelry and a big focus on coastal aesthetics for spring and summer, statement pearls are shaping up to the absolutely everywhere in the next few months.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 30 Mar. 2025
With Mustard’s high-energy beats and SZA’s soulful performances joining Lamar’s electric stage presence, the Grand National Tour is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 2 Apr. 2025
What To Know This year's housing market is shaping up to be a buyer's one, according to experts, as inventory is growing and mortgage rates continue hovering between 6 percent and 7 percent.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 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 24 Apr. 2025.
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