reshape
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
Etymology
Origin of reshape
Explanation
When you reshape something, you change or transform it completely. You can reshape a lump of clay, but you can also reshape your plans for your life. A government can reshape the country's energy plan, incorporating more environmentally friendly systems. And a school committee can reshape the high school curriculum, adding higher-level science classes and more choices in the art department. It's also possible to reshape things in a more literal way, squeezing bread dough as you reshape it to fit a different pan, for example.
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.
Employees who are proactive now have the chance to reshape their jobs for the future.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026
He has repeatedly promised Israelis he is using their undoubted power and ingenuity to reshape the Middle East in a way that will strengthen their country.
From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026
Tackling retail sprawl has also been an early priority for de Meo as he seeks to reshape the group.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026
Hilton and Bianco both said they would radically reshape state government, in part by dismantling regulations that are hampering development and making basic necessities — housing, food, gas, electricity — too expensive.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026
It was as strong as poison and for once I didn’t fight it down or try to reshape it as something polite.
From "How I Live Now" by Meg Rosoff
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
