Definitions

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.

Elegant hand-blown glass vases sit beside ceramic crater pots on warm cherry shelves.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

These long-approved, affordable medicines are on pharmacy shelves.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

New research suggests global sea levels could rise more quickly than scientists previously expected because Antarctic ice shelves may be melting from below at a much faster rate than once believed.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

A few weeks before the tome hit shelves, Latifi didn’t think enough people were paying attention to that news.

From Salon • May 10, 2026

I follow Brie and Teddy to an empty classroom, which has nothing but folding chairs leaning against the walls and percussion instruments on shelves.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison