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 rule formalizes the rollback announced in March 2025, effectively shelving the CTA for domestic businesses. — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Europe’s world-leading commitment to replacing carbon fuels with sources such as wind, solar and nuclear power is not about to be shelved. — Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Aug. 2026

Spray mirrors and shelving with a simple mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 9 Aug. 2026

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