Definitions

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.

Appeared in the November 21, 2025, print edition as 'Big Banks Shelve $20 Billion Argentina Bailout'.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

Shelve her latest novel alongside those of Richard Russo, Nora Ephron, Armistead Maupin, Jess Walter and other comic novelists whose works are both timely and ultimately transcendent.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 2, 2023

Shelve it … Kat Banyard of UK Feminista wants lads' mags like Zoo and Loaded banned by retailers.

From The Guardian • Jun. 23, 2013

Shelve, shelv, v.i. to slope, incline.—n. a ledge.—n.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various

Shelve, shelv, v.t. to furnish with shelves: to place on a shelf; to put aside.—n.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various

shelve

Example Sentences

Related Words