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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shape (up)
Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 20 Apr. 2025
Summer 2025 is shaping up to be an expensive season.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
From Hype to Humility: AI Hits a Human Roadblock
If 2024 was the year of AI hyperbole, 2025 is shaping up as the year of introspection.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
This was shaping up as another horror show for McIlroy, who in 2011 lost a four-shot lead on the final day with a 43 on the back nine, a highlight reel that now can start collecting dust.
—Time, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shape (up)
Verb
After a frigid first homestand, this weekend is shaping up to be the nicest of the year so far weather-wise, which is helpful considering that the locals are expecting dozens, if not hundreds, of friends and family to be in attendance over the course of the four games.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 20 Apr. 2025
Summer 2025 is shaping up to be an expensive season.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
From Hype to Humility: AI Hits a Human Roadblock
If 2024 was the year of AI hyperbole, 2025 is shaping up as the year of introspection.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
This was shaping up as another horror show for McIlroy, who in 2011 lost a four-shot lead on the final day with a 43 on the back nine, a highlight reel that now can start collecting dust.
—Time, 14 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 6 May. 2025.
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