SHELVE Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

shelve

verb

ˈshelv

Definition of shelve

as in to postpone

to assign to a later time let's shelve the project for now

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of shelve The project was shelved after the company merged with Time Warner. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026 However, that proposal was shelved after securing consensus among Group of Seven nations to coordinate a joint strategic petroleum reserve release. — CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026 As tensions between Broward County and its sheriff’s office escalate, commissioners have voted to shelve the department’s budget supplement at a meeting. — Zoey Thomas, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026 Bamboo Insurance and Amaero shelved theirs around the same time. — Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shelve

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shelve

Verb

In Madera, organizers postponed the third annual Oaxacan Guelaguetza festival, amid growing fears, according to the group’s Facebook account.

— Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
In February, the Louvre postponed a competition to select an architect in charge of expanding the museum that had been announced less than a year prior.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of postpone

Verb

More than 350 flights were canceled or delayed at Moscow airports, local media reported, as planes were grounded in response to incoming drones.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Green denied that characterization and declined to elaborate on the challenges that delayed the delivery beyond the missing money.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of delay

Verb

Highlands has proposed repaying the state through deductions from future state funding, but the bankruptcy court deferred a decision on that proposal until the final hearing in November.

— Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026
The superstar who deferred most of his record 10-year, $700-million salary so as to enable — to obligate — the Dodgers to build a championship roster around him reached base in three of his four plate appearances Wednesday.

— Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of defer

Browse Nearby Words

shelters

shelve

shelved

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“Shelve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shelve. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of shelve

verb

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