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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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)
Ramin Setoodeh, Variety, 30 Oct. 2024
Things are still in flux but Dissection of a Murder is expected to serve as inspiration for the second season of what is shaping up to be a true anthology series.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2024
Here's how the race is shaping up in Louisville.
Dining: The owner of Perso, Hot Buns and Segreto is adding another feather to his cap in Louisville with Ciao Ristorante on Payne Street, featuring some authentic Roman flavors along with some Italian-American favorites and a one-of-a-kind dessert.
—Keisha Rowe, The Courier-Journal, 29 Oct. 2024
Five Below and Target vs. S & P 500, year to date Even might Walmart could see higher tariffs as a negative after what’s shaping up to be a stellar year.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for shape (up) 
Verb
This year is shaping up to be a big one for Jude Law.
—Ramin Setoodeh, Variety, 30 Oct. 2024
Things are still in flux but Dissection of a Murder is expected to serve as inspiration for the second season of what is shaping up to be a true anthology series.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2024
Here's how the race is shaping up in Louisville.
Dining: The owner of Perso, Hot Buns and Segreto is adding another feather to his cap in Louisville with Ciao Ristorante on Payne Street, featuring some authentic Roman flavors along with some Italian-American favorites and a one-of-a-kind dessert.
—Keisha Rowe, The Courier-Journal, 29 Oct. 2024
Five Below and Target vs. S & P 500, year to date Even might Walmart could see higher tariffs as a negative after what’s shaping up to be a stellar year.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for shape (up)
Thesaurus Entries Near shape (up)
Cite this Entry
“Shape (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shape%20%28up%29. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share