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.

Private mini-markets and clothing stores with well-stocked shelves have largely supplanted state "bodegas" and ration books in the past five years since SMEs were introduced.

From Barron's • Jun. 19, 2026

With the shelves of state-run shops glaringly empty and public transport drying up, Mipymes and the self-employed now dominate retail food sales and ferry people about -- by taxi, rickshaw and motorbike.

From Barron's • Jun. 19, 2026

Staff there were instructed to not highlight events unrelated to day-to-day activities, but the authority said it would not be removing books from shelves.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

My Nonno and Zii always seemed to have shelves lined with preserved vegetables — roasted peppers, artichokes, mushrooms, and, of course, sun-dried tomatoes suspended in oil.

From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026

Someone at the end of the shelves, fidgeting and staring.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu