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.

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

Irenic proposed staff cuts, shelving projects, and leveraging AI; Snap’s board welcomes input, focusing on efficiency.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Closer to the front line, many men on active duty are also shelving the idea of starting a a relationship.

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026

Screens and shelving units provided a taste of the privacy for workers that Propst sought.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

They moved into the depths of the store and found Mr. Archie doing just as Sylvester said, shelving new, shiny aluminum glue guns next to carpet shampooers.

From "The Last Last-Day-of-Summer" by Lamar Giles