1
as in health
a state of being or fitness
she was in good shape after having worked outdoors all summer long
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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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shape
Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
In the heart of the Amazon Basin, where the borders and cultures of Peru, Colombia and Brazil converge, a tiny, shape-shifting island has become the unlikely setting for a diplomatic tug of war.
—Sarah Hutter, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Being isolated in the mountains, with a constant sense of danger and threat – coming either from across the border or from one’s own country – shapes the characters’ personalities.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shape
Noun
Its blade design is inspired by the continuous shape of a Möbius strip, creating a smoother, more natural airflow that’s easier on the senses than traditional fans.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
In the heart of the Amazon Basin, where the borders and cultures of Peru, Colombia and Brazil converge, a tiny, shape-shifting island has become the unlikely setting for a diplomatic tug of war.
—Sarah Hutter, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
The experience of working alongside his parents helped shape Ben as an actor and comedian.
—Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Being isolated in the mountains, with a constant sense of danger and threat – coming either from across the border or from one’s own country – shapes the characters’ personalities.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shape
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shape
Noun
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In 2020, health issues and a death left Harrison's mother unable to care for the kids, Kyla Rose and Emery.—
Victoria Moorwood,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
26 Oct. 2025
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The charitable organization funded by the Johnson & Johnson heiress is known for gifts to education, health and civic projects.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
26 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Pennywise — the iconic, malevolent shapeshifting entity that often takes the form of a dancing clown and was first introduced in Stephen King's 1986 novel It — suddenly and mysteriously appeared on five different continents on Tuesday.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Oct. 2025
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One issue is that hypnosis has long been viewed as a form of entertainment, a stage show with a hypnotist and an audience, which can give viewers a sense that hypnosis is something done to you rather than a process that a person is led through.—
Rustin Dodd,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In the pictures, The Witcher star showed off his toned physique in a pair of blue swim shorts while taking a dip in the clear waters.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
20 Oct. 2025
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It was filmed shortly after Luka was on the cover of Men’s Health magazine with his new physique.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The early signs are encouraging but the players are still adapting to Alonso’s demands.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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In the early days of the conflict, the Ukrainian military was much more agile than Russian forces in terms of adapting tactics and equipment.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In conclusion, my careful gameplay doesn’t personally lend itself to reversing transfers, even when planned, but there is occasionally a time and a place for it.—
Holly Shand,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
-
The Coast Guard told the outlet that the family had planned to remain anchored between Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard throughout the weekend.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Representatives for Bardot did not respond to PEOPLE's previous request for a comment on the actress's condition.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
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Balau Nath to erect the fort under the condition that the shadow of the fort must never cover Nath’s home.—
Sophie Friedman,
AFAR Media,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Steel Nomad Light adds a broader perspective, gauging geometry, lighting, and particle effects through Metal’s native rendering pipeline for consistent cross-platform comparison.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
21 Oct. 2025
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The new Studio introduces an intuitive Smart Machining Wizard that automatically analyzes project geometry and recommends optimal toolpath parameters.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Dylan insisted that the film needed every frame.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Oct. 2025
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The open wood shelves and steel frame give it a modern and sleek appearance that goes well in entryways, living rooms, and bedrooms.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shape.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shape. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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