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.

As part of the company’s initiative to grow revenue and stay abreast of competition, the Wall Street Journal reported last month that OpenAI is shelving “side quests” to focus on core enterprise and productivity tools.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

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

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Washington and Tehran have a history of making negotiations happen in the face of seemingly incompatible demands by quietly shelving some of the most contentious points.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

"No-one likes uncertainty," said Push Sharma, founder of Singapore-based wellness brand Haldy, which had spent years preparing to enter the American market before abruptly shelving its plans last year.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

They found a table by the bulletin board and a bearded librarian shelving books.

From "Caterpillar Summer" by Gillian McDunn