The Oxford Thesaurus An A-Z Dictionary of Synonyms - shape n.

1) form, figure, build, body, physique; lines, profile, silhouette, contours: I've never heard anyone complain about Marilyn Monroe's shape. 2) form, pattern, configuration, structure, aspect: The discussion is on the shape of things to come in the double-glazing trade. The new swimming-pool will be in the shape of a figure of eight. 3) form: Gradually, the shopping mall began to take shape. 4) state, condition, fettle, status, (state of) health, order, trim: When I saw Wayne yesterday, he seemed in very good shape indeed. 5) guise, disguise, form, appearance, likeness, image: Zeus visited Dan„e in the shape of a golden shower, and fathered Perseus on her. --v. 6) form, fashion, mould, cast, make, model, sculpture, sculpt; cut, carve, hew, hack, trim: Using primitive tools, they were able to shape the clay into bowls. The topiary shrubs were shaped into the forms of birds. 7) determine, give form to, control, govern, regulate, affect, condition, influence, decree, frame, define,: There are many factors that shape our future. 8 word, express, embody in words, put, formulate, form: Perhaps you could shape your question differently. 9) change, modify, remodel, accommodate, fit, adapt, adjust: The box was shaped especially for this bottle. 1) 0 shape up. a take form, take shape, develop, evolve, proceed: The plan is shaping up very nicely. b conform, improve, progress, go or move or come along, show improvement, come up to snuff; behave better: Those who cannot shape up will have to ship out.