shelving

[shel-ving] / ˈʃɛl vɪŋ /

VERB

defer, postpone

Synonyms

STRONGEST

freeze give up mothball prolong put off suspend waive

STRONG

delay dismiss drop hold pigeonhole prorogue scrub sideline stay table

WEAK

hang up hold off hold over hold up lay aside put aside put on back burner put on hold put on ice slow up tie up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

continue go

STRONG

advance

WEAK

carry out do go ahead

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.

Irenic proposed staff cuts, shelving projects, and leveraging AI; Snap’s board welcomes input, focusing on efficiency.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Endangered ruling elites at war tend to stick together, temporarily shelving differences and rivalries.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

Closer to the front line, many men on active duty are also shelving the idea of starting a a relationship.

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026

With a roomy 18 cubic feet, it holds far more than you’d expect and stays easy to organize thanks to generous shelving and a bright LED light.

From Salon • Nov. 20, 2025

I pictured them surging into the little cove and breaking with a roar upon the rocks, then running swift and strong to the shelving beach.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier