take shape
idiomatic phrase
: to assume a definite or distinctive form : to develop and become apparent or established
The plan is finally taking shape.
Edison's tireless work habits took shape during his childhood …—
Paul Gray
Paul GrayThe proto-planetary fragments crashed together, coalesced by gravity, and crashed again into other fragments, until they gradually took shape as the planets we know today.—M. Mitchell Waldrop
M. Mitchell Waldrop… the first half of the century, before the modern medical system took shape.—Geoffrey Cowley
Geoffrey CowleyExamples of take shape in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
How Lai manages relations with China as his government takes shape will be closely watched in Beijing and Washington.
—Cindy Wang / Bloomberg, TIME, 20 May 2024
Politics The future of Mission Bay takes shape: Planning commission OKs city’s plans for more marshland, recreation space
Dec. 7, 2023
The Environment Committee called the plan a fair compromise between environmentalists, supporters of camping and advocates for recreation.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for take shape 
Cindy Wang / Bloomberg, TIME, 20 May 2024
Politics The future of Mission Bay takes shape: Planning commission OKs city’s plans for more marshland, recreation space
Dec. 7, 2023
The Environment Committee called the plan a fair compromise between environmentalists, supporters of camping and advocates for recreation.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for take shape
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'take shape.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Take shape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20shape. Accessed 2 Jun. 2024.
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