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

But the Hong Kong government eventually shelved its plans, and Lee felt their efforts made things a little better. — ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026

Having built his farm from just 46 hectares in 1992, Kozhukharenko has shelved expansion plans to focus on survival. — Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Nov. 2026

Though the congress went ahead — with many top oil executives attending virtually — the summit and investment conference were shelved till next year. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

The governing body previously aimed to add 10 matches to the schedule in 2025 but shelved those plans. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 28 Oct. 2026