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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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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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

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 The debate between Medicare for All and Medicare by Choice advocates is shaping up to be an interesting one in the coming years. — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 This trade deadline is shaping up to be among the most eventful the Red Sox have had in recent memory. — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 2 Aug. 2026 Find out how leaf-peeping season is shaping up near you, courtesy of The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s latest forecast map. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shape (up)

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shape (up)

Verb

For decades Memphis, the most populous city in Shelby County, formed the base of its own congressional district.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
Atoms, an industrial AI and infrastructure company, and Joby Aviation have formed a strategic partnership to acquire and develop vertiports across the United States.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of form

Verb

But the goal is to improve food access for vulnerable residents, Wang said.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Earlier this year, Atrium Health and WakeMed announced a merger agreement, projected to improve access and affordability across the state, accelerate growth and jobs in Wake County and transform mental healthcare.

— Eva Flowe August 4, Charlotte Observer, 4 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

Missouri Amendment 2 Amendment 2 would amend the state constitution to require all charter counties, including Jackson County, to elect rather than appoint their county assessor.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026
Most of that expense is the work of teaching thousands of point-of-sale systems which specific products qualify in which specific state—a definition that shifts every time a waiver is approved, amended or thrown out.

— Elie Y. Katz, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of amend

Verb

Kennedy has also sought to personally reform the agency’s vaccine policy, firing all 17 of its vaccine advisers and replacing them with his own picks, many of whom have questioned the benefit of vaccines while exaggerating their harms.

— Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
The agency’s leaders are also reforming practices in its two shelters, following an outside review released last month.

— Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of reform

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shapes up

shape (up)

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 12 Aug. 2026.

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