shapes 1 of 2

noun

plural of shape
1
as in forms
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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in physiques
the type of body that a person has some specialty clothing stores sell clothing that suits people that have a particular shape

Synonyms & Similar Words

shapes

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of shape
1
as in adapts
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 designs
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 shapes
Noun
When that didn’t work, Dawn stencilled shapes onto white paper. — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026 For decades, letter shapes have been used to sum up the economy, especially following major downturns. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026 The tricky part is that cats come in all shapes, sizes and levels of floof, so the number on the scale does not always tell the full story. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Rather than simply accessorizing an outfit, these pieces play with unexpected proportions, shapes, textures and materials to become part of the look itself. — Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 Like the True Temp Plush Pillow, the ComfortFit is available in three shapes — classic, curved and ultimate — to suit different sleep styles. — V Brand Stories, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Repetitive motifs in various shapes were her trademark, resembling netting, swirls or worms, but most often dots, dancing proudly on her canvases or as sparkling balls or dots of light in her installations in all their vibrant, psychedelic glory. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 Each movement creates a distinct electrical circuit between neighboring blocks, changing shapes and even automatically tracking its own transformation. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026 The projections can take whatever physical form a ring-bearer wills, and some powerful Lanterns have conjured the shapes of living beings, though sentience is another matter. — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
Its price shapes inflation and household spending, making virtually every investor exposed to its swings directly or otherwise, said market watchers. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026 Trustworthiness beliefs also aren’t the only thing that shapes whether someone follows expert advice. — John C. Besley, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 Her experience building trust and helping people in underserved rural communities navigate healthcare shapes her views on AI in healthcare. — Lisa Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 That research shapes the memorabilia, local performers and, at the cafes, even parts of the menus. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026 Her Photography explores how Big city shapes the emotional reality of her generation. — Photovogue, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026 The silhouette features a structured front wall that shapes the forefoot and recalls the form of a ballet shoe. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2026 Told through Bearden’s own words and archives, the film reintroduces a towering yet underrecognized modernist, athlete, and activist whose influence still shapes contemporary culture. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026 But a clash of opinions between two talented individuals with the right values can be positive because open debate shapes better decisions. — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shapes
  1. forms
  2. physiques
  3. adapts
  4. designs
  5. figures
  6. habits
  7. adjusts
  8. plans
Noun
  • Others, like acetyl-D-leucine, have similar forms that have approval.
    — Mike McRae August 26, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Davies hopes to develop forms of DHM that are more bioavailable—but not necessarily for hangover treatments.
    — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of forms
Noun
  • Feelings for the character, who dressed like a luchador and stretched the limits of superherodom’s already outrageous spectrum of physiques, ranged from curiosity to open and outright disdain.
    — Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The role turned Ritchson into a household name, and his willingness to discuss what the transformation cost him is reshaping how audiences talk about male body image, hormone therapy and Hollywood physiques.
    — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 July 2026
Definition of physiques
Verb
  • Clients are looking for a partner who grasps their objectives, assists with key financial choices, and adapts alongside them as their circumstances shift, said Scott Stearsman, head of Premier and branch banking at Truist.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Richard Brody’s incisive piece about adaptation speaks to the essential question of creative freedom as a filmmaker adapts a work of literature.
    — Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of adapts
Verb
  • Samba has ties to the Brazilian Carnival tradition, so Anna picks out a floral fabric and designs a skirt with feather-style panels that will move around with the dancer.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Katie Becker, chief creative officer of Arc’teryx, said the brand designs products to perform for the long term.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of designs
Noun
  • But Jarmond later worked with a search committee that included prominent UCLA figures Bob Myers, Adam Peters and Casey Wasserman on the hiring of Bob Chesney, who quickly injected hope and optimism into the football program.
    — Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The backlash went beyond online and reached political figures like New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, who sent The Met committee a letter urging them to reconsider honoring Galliano.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of figures
Noun
  • One of the newest members of the billionaire club, Scale AI cofounder Lucy Guo, is a more recent example of someone whose spending habits have remained relatively modest as her fortune has soared.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Tracks stool consistency, hydration, urinary health and bathroom habits.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of habits
Verb
  • As serotonin remains active longer, the brain adjusts by desensitizing some receptors.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Available in six muted colors, the sheets have a sateen weave that’s soft and smooth, with a bit of stretch to maintain a proper fit even as the bed adjusts.
    — V BRAND STORIES, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of adjusts
Verb
  • But the company eventually plans to open-source the standard, which means any device manufacturer in any industry will be able to adopt it.
    — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Heat limits chip performance The aerospace and defense firm plans to integrate diamond directly into advanced semiconductor devices.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of plans

Browse Nearby Words

shapers
shapes
shapes (up)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shapes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shapes. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All