Definitions

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.

The UK also relies on a network of underwater gas pipelines, primarily in the North Sea, which provides essential energy from the UK and Norwegian Continental Shelves.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Shelves along the wall are lined with hundreds of little bottles of essential oils and aroma chemicals.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2025

Shelves were not only bare, but in some cases the shelves themselves and the ladders that allowed employees to stock them were gone.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 27, 2023

Shelves of books snake through a dark library “in a disorderly line, not unlike intestines.”

From New York Times • Mar. 14, 2023

Shelves are mounted on every available surface, with books stacked up to the ceiling.

From "Pride" by Ibi Zoboi