SHAPE (UP) Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

shape (up) 1 of 2

verb (1)

Definition of shape (up) next

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Fashion operators will be particularly busy, as the week is shaping up to be a packed one, featuring a total of 153 events including 56 physical shows, six digital ones and roughly 70 presentations. —

Sandra Salibian, WWD, 5 Feb. 2025 Since its launch in 2014, Alexa has not shaped up to be the money maker Amazon anticipated. —

Annie Palmer, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2025 With some of the biggest names in golf in pursuit, the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is shaping up for a thrilling finish. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025 Ford's chief executive, Jim Farley, has been seeking to follow up a choppy 2024 with more consistent results, in a year that is already shaping up to be marred by swings in U.S. policy. —

Nora Eckert and Nathan Gomes, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for shape (up)