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

In March 2026, Didulo’s and Manz’s charges for intimidation of a justice-system participant were shelved due to lack of evidence, though prosecutors have one year to refile. — Zander Sherman, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026

Instead, shelve the guilt, and before making the ask, young families should look to reduce expenses. — John Shumway, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Plans drift, and the strategy that impressed the executive channel gets shelved once daily realities set in. — Vlada Grebenykova, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Despite the heavy hitters attached, momentum has since stalled on the sci-fi project and it's sadly been shelved for the immediate future. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 1 Aug. 2026