Definitions

shelving

[shel-ving] / ˈʃɛl vɪŋ /

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.

As part of the company’s initiative to grow revenue and stay abreast of competition, the Wall Street Journal reported last month that OpenAI is shelving “side quests” to focus on core enterprise and productivity tools.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

Irenic proposed staff cuts, shelving projects, and leveraging AI; Snap’s board welcomes input, focusing on efficiency.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Finley’s piece arranges ceramic vessels inside shadow-box shelving that the artist describes as containers for memory — some “you love to take out and peek into,” others that “should just stay shut forever.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

Closer to the front line, many men on active duty are also shelving the idea of starting a a relationship.

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026

Many of the bottom levels of the shelving were empty, Amari noticed.

From "Copper Sun" by Sharon M. Draper