Definitions

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.

New Jersey Assemblyman Chigozie Onyema is a sponsor of the state’s proposed surveillance pricing ban that also places a moratorium on electronic shelving labels.

From Salon • May 18, 2026

On April 6, CMS punted, shelving the risk-score recalibration.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

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

Several businesses have donated equipment to help with the work, including shelving from Poundland, paint from Dulux and volunteers from Severn Trent Water.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

“You’re supposed to be shelving the medical journals for Brother Ifechi,” he croaked, voice full of disapproval.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray