shelves

[shelvz] / ʃɛlvz /

NOUN

jutting, flat area or piece

Synonyms

STRONGEST

counter cupboard ledge rack

STRONG

bank bracket console mantelpiece mantle reef ridge rock shallow shoal

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.

In the garage, he begins rummaging through the shelves, looking for something that might pass as a blanket.

From Salon • Jun. 30, 2026

"It's an incredible amount of money which will make such a difference and replenish our empty shelves," said Rachel.

From BBC • Jun. 29, 2026

So you might still see a few different phrases on food products that were already on the shelves or in a retailer’s stock.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2026

A well-known pharmacy in Catia La Mar was left with its glass doors shattered and its shelves empty, though authorities could not confirm if looting took place.

From Barron's • Jun. 25, 2026

What we’d been able to see from the other side is only a small fraction of the archives this room must maintain: rows and rows of shelves.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse