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.

Within days, inventory systems may no longer match what is actually on shelves.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

He said retailers that stock their shelves with PVH’s clothes remain cautious, but added that fall-season ordering trends for Europe were “positive.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

And while it didn’t exactly fly off the shelves, its concurrence with the height of the Seattle grunge music scene made the disheveled aesthetic a street-style must-have.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

Australia's sunscreen regulator has proposed sweeping reforms to the industry after a recent scandal saw dozens of popular brands pulled off shelves.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

A row of shelves at the far end stacked with paperwork and files.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler