1
as in health
a state of being or fitness
she was in good shape after having worked outdoors all summer long
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in form
the outward appearance of something as distinguished from its substance
that part of the state is known as the panhandle because of its shape
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to adapt
to change (something) so as to make it suitable for a new use or situation
a dress shaped to the customer's particular figure
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to plan
to work out the details of (something) in advance
over the winter the committee shaped the company's new marketing strategy
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
This happens because of the way the hair grows and the shape of the hair follicles.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 12 July 2025
Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 July 2025
But court records and recent actions by government officials in Soliman’s case reveal how the watch lists can shape and change the government’s view of immigrants and asylum seekers like Soliman.
—Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for shape
Noun
Begin designing your garden by thinking about the shape of garden beds and seating areas from a bird's-eye view.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
This happens because of the way the hair grows and the shape of the hair follicles.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 12 July 2025
Verb
Five long-stay suites are decorated in the lines, colors and styles of five movements that have shaped the 20th century: Arts and Crafts, Viennese Secession, Radical, Pop and Modernism.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 July 2025
But court records and recent actions by government officials in Soliman’s case reveal how the watch lists can shape and change the government’s view of immigrants and asylum seekers like Soliman.
—Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for shape
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shape
Noun
-
There are plenty of reasons to pick up gardening as a hobby, from connecting with nature and soaking up vitamin D to reducing stress and improving cardiovascular health (weeding is no joke).—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 July 2025
-
Partnering with marine biologists and local stakeholders, the resort is helping nurse underwater ecosystems back to health.—
Ashlee Marie Preston,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
Newsweek reached out to the Costco press office via its contact request form regarding its parking policy.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
-
Tariffs are coming due in the form of higher inflation, thinner margins, or a combination of both.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
In the comments section, fans and fellow stars were impressed by the 43-year-old's physique.—
Vanessa Etienne,
People.com,
11 July 2025
-
Even host Terry Crews, known for his own buff physique, was impressed.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
EW.com,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
The companies that adapt and innovate in this new environment, not those that try to rekindle old habits, will be the ones that succeed.—
Garth Friesen,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
Yes, the Astros have adapted well after an offseason of upheaval.—
The Athletic MLB Staff,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
Verb
-
Sadly for some, this signals the end for Zigbee support, as Ikea plans to replace its Zigbee gadgets with Matter devices.—
Julian Chokkattu,
Wired News,
12 July 2025
-
After severe weather cancellations on Friday, Harley Davidson Homecoming events are expected to continue as planned on July 12th.—
Kylie Volavongsa,
jsonline.com,
12 July 2025
Noun
-
Talking with detainees about living conditions is the most important part of a tour, Eskamani said.—
Kairi Lowery,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 July 2025
-
Other health conditions: People with metabolic disorders like obesity or diabetes are at higher risk for developing MASH.—
Suchandrima Bhowmik,
Health,
12 July 2025
Noun
-
Math performance can be tricky for high schools to ace since it’s based on how well students perform on end-of-course exams in algebra and geometry.—
Scott Travis,
Sun Sentinel,
12 July 2025
-
University of Pennsylvania Using intricate geometry found in nature and refined through aerospace and biomedical design, scientists have now 3D-printed these forms into concrete to boost strength and capture carbon – creating a scalable building material that benefits both people and planet.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
Furniture for every room in your home — including sofas, dressers, TV stands, coffee tables, bed frames, ottomans, and more — is up to 56 percent off.—
Toni Sutton,
People.com,
7 July 2025
-
He’s lost weight off his already tiny frame and has taken over mom’s room.—
Pamela McLoughlin,
Hartford Courant,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shape.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shape. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share