SHAPE (UP) Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

shape (up) 1 of 2

verb (1)

Definition of shape (up)

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

shape up

2 of 2

verb (2)

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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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of shape (up)

Verb

The offer is the latest negotiation in what is shaping up to be a public letter-writing campaign to determine future of the Atlanta City Detention Center. — Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 11 Aug. 2026 Newsin a new interview that, thanks to the band’s upcoming documentary and the 50th anniversary of Rumours, 2027 is shaping up to be a vital year for the former couple. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026 Dark-brown pants in wide or flared silhouettes are shaping up to be the most popular among fashion pros. — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 5 Aug. 2026 Both coordinators return as well, and the conference slate shapes up nicely, as the Mustangs avoid both Miami and Clemson in the regular season. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shape (up)

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shape (up)

Verb

In one instance in Pereira, CBS News cameras captured volunteers forming human bucket brigades, passing piece after piece of rubble by hand for hours.

— CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
When Iraola left Mirandes and was appointed as head coach of another second-tier side, Rayo Vallecano, De la Torre formed part of his backroom staff as the fitness coach.

— Andy Jones, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of form

Verb

At 28 years old, the sizeable outlay on the Brazilian midfielder continues Arsenal’s ploy of spending big money on players who can immediately improve their first team.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Some activists remain positive that more staffers at shelters will improve conditions, but others argue the money should go straight to the animals through food, enrichment and supplies instead of wages.

— Hailey Wang, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of improve

Verb

Driscoll and others involved in the mission worried that something far less dramatic could derail it, such as an accidental weapon discharge, an isolated confrontation with a protester or a guardsman caught on camera behaving poorly.

— Steven Beynon, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
This is a mass disabling event, concentrated in working-age people and skewed female, behaving exactly as post-viral illness always has.

— Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of behave

Verb

The legislation would amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to create federal photo ID standards for in-person and vote-by-mail.

— Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 11 Aug. 2026
In her new ruling obtained by Rolling Stone, the judge said Evans appeared to have been angered by Voletta’s decision, just weeks before her death, to amend her trust and remove CJ as a co-trustee.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of amend

Verb

His revered mentor, José Antonio Abreu, who founded the educational program in 1975 with the conviction that learning music can, in bettering lives, lead to profound social change.

— Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Asking for feedback is only one step of the process in bettering your organization.

— Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Definition of better

Verb

Amnesty International has urged Syria to end trials in absentia and the use of the death penalty, incorporate crimes under international law into domestic legislation and reform the judiciary.

— Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
The group notes other states, such as Illinois, New Jersey and New York have either reformed or ended cash bail.

— Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of reform

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shape (up)

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“Shape (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shape%20%28up%29. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of shape (up)

verb (1)

verb (2)

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