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Definitions

take shape

VERB
crystallize
Synonyms
WEAK
assume a pattern become definite become delineated form into crystals take form
VERB
form
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acquire appear develop set
STRONG
accumulate condense crystallize eventuate grow harden materialize mature rise settle
WEAK
become a reality become visible fall into place shape up show up take on character
Antonyms
STRONGEST
end halt
STRONG
decline decrease lessen
WEAK
break destroy hurt kill neglect ruin
VERB
jell
Synonyms
STRONGEST
crystallize materialize
STRONG
clot cohere condense congeal finalize form freeze gel gelatinize harden jellify jelly set solidify stick stiffen thicken
WEAK
come together gelate
Antonyms
STRONG
displace liquefy loosen melt remove separate soften thin
WEAK
liquidate
VERB
loom
Synonyms
STRONGEST
brew come on dominate emerge hover mount overshadow portend soar stand out threaten
STRONG
approach await bulk dawn emanate figure gather impend impress issue lower menace near overhang overtop rear rise show top tower
WEAK
be at hand be coming be forthcoming be imminent be in the cards be in the wind be near become visible break through come forth come into view come on the scene hang over make up seem huge seem large
Antonyms
STRONGEST
decline fall leave
STRONG
abandon descend drop neglect
VERB
materialize
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appear emerge happen occur realize take place turn up unfold
STRONG
actualize coalesce develop embody evolve exteriorize externalize hypostatize manifest metamorphose objectify personalize personify reify substantiate symbolize typify visualize
WEAK
be incarnate be realized become concrete become real become visual come about come to pass corporealize entify make real personize pragmatize substantialize take form
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disappear hide leave lose
STRONG
decrease halt stop

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The field of candidates did not take shape until the week of the February filing deadline.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

A tentative rebound began to take shape at the end of 2025 as the German government’s stimulus package—worth up to around $1 trillion for manufacturing and defense—started to lift demand.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

At the same time, the struggle over Iran's future leadership is already beginning to take shape.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

These observations provide the clearest picture yet of where Uranus's auroras take shape and how its unusually tilted magnetic field affects them.

From Science Daily • Feb. 21, 2026

Slowly—exceedingly slowly—the mess of wool in my hands began to take shape.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.