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.

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

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

Two years after a newborn baby was found abandoned on a freezing winter's night, London police look set to shelve their investigation despite having discovered that she is the sibling of two other foundlings.

From Barron's • Jan. 14, 2026

A cancer diagnosis forced me to shelve the idea.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 27, 2025

I walk over to shelve the one book that’s been left out of place.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

shelve

Example Sentences

Related Words