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 body later put out an uncompromising new statement, saying no UEFA national teams would take part in any FIFA competition until the proposals were shelved. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 July 2026

Originally conceived alongside their collaborations on those scores, the album languished as Jóhannsson’s film career exploded before ultimately being shelved after his death. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 31 July 2026

While custom living room shelving houses an impressive book collection, the kitchen is stocked with all the essentials needed to prepare meals of any scale. — Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 30 July 2026

The planned documentary did not turn out as planned, however, and was quickly shelved. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 28 July 2026