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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.

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

But when the valuations of other digital pure plays collapsed, Saks had to shelve the plan.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 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

“Sir, I know you’re a very important, very busy man, so I just have one quick question: If I were a book on true crimes in the state of Ohio, where would you shelve me?”

From "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library" by Chris Grabenstein

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.