Synonyms of mothball

mothball

verb

as in to dismantle

to stop using (something) while keeping it to be possibly used in the future

Many navy ships were mothballed after the war.

Related Words

• dismantle
• phase out
• put aside
• kill
• shut off
• deactivate
• halt
• turn off
• brake
• cut off
• stick
• stall
• flick (off)
• draw up
• arrest
• chock
• jam

Dissimilar Words

• power
• generate
• push
• fire
• charge
• fuel
• switch
• launch
• discharge
• release
• trip
• electrify
• energize
• move
• start
• run
• set off
• reactivate
• drive
• activate
• trigger
• propel
• turn on
• spark
• recharge
• actuate
• touch off
• crank (up)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of mothball

The aircraft were mothballed when operator Transaero declared failed in 2915. — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 1 May 2026

Miller had taken to toying with the addition in spring training in recent years, only to essentially mothball the pitch. — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026

Rio Tinto’s $3 billion Jadar lithium project in Serbia was mothballed after permitting setbacks, raising questions about whether the EU badge is enough to override local politics and market cycles. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 30 Mar. 2026

In her closet were seven Ungaros, three Rykiels, a Kamali bathing suit and a Kamali sleeping-bag coat, five Kenzo dresses, two pieces from the Ballets Russes collection of Saint Laurent—all of which were trades or payments in kind, none of them mothballed, but instead worn ostentatiously and often. — Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026