Definitions

shelve

[shelv] / ʃɛlv /

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.

He is also unsentimental when it comes to upending the status quo in bookselling, including his conviction that Barnes & Noble needs to shelve fewer total books but more individual titles.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

In its letter to Spiegel, Irenic calls for Snap to potentially cut staff, shelve certain projects, and capitalize on the “AI opportunity” among other proposals.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Two things persuaded Haagy to shelve his own plant research and zero in on the mystery of sky-darkening smog.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Former contestants of a now-axed BBC LGBTQ+ dating show say they feel "frustrated" and "sad" at the decision to shelve the programme.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

He’d mostly looked at academic papers, but maybe there were more encyclopedias behind the medical journals Brother Ifechi had asked him to shelve...

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

shelve

Example Sentences

Related Words