Synonyms of shelve

shelve

verb

ˈshelv 

as in to postpone

to assign to a later time

let's shelve the project for now

Synonyms & Similar Words

• postpone
• delay
• defer
• wait
• suspend
• put over
• remit
• put off
• lay over
• hold over
• hold off (on)
• hesitate
• hold up
• pause
• prolong
• slow
• stay
• lengthen
• extend
• stretch (out)
• retard
• detain
• protract

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• do
• work (on)
• act
• deal (with)
• decide (upon)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of shelve

The prototype was shelved when Kramer couldn't successfully market it, and his patent expired in 1988. — Eric Griffith, PC Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026

When a buyer failed to surface, the listing was discounted and eventually shelved. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2026

The rate of development of new headsets has slowed, with many companies (including Apple) scaling back or shelving their efforts. — Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026

Lamborghini decided to shelve its plans for the electric Lanzador, an EV unveiled as a concept car in 2023, because the demand was not there. — Matthew Lynn, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2026