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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 When a buyer failed to surface, the listing was discounted and eventually shelved. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2026 The rate of development of new headsets has slowed, with many companies (including Apple) scaling back or shelving their efforts. — Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026 Lamborghini decided to shelve its plans for the electric Lanzador, an EV unveiled as a concept car in 2023, because the demand was not there. — Matthew Lynn, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2026 Airlines have raised ticket prices and fees, trimmed schedules and shelved plans to add flights. — Cathy Bussewitz, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shelve

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shelve

Verb

Spain's soccer federation postponed all 24 Copa del Rey games scheduled on Wednesday.

— JOSEPH WILSON, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026
The board unanimously postponed a vote on it after a meeting that lasted about five hours.

— Beret Leone, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of postpone

Verb

The tests could easily do the opposite, as people with results suggesting cancer require follow-up testing that overwhelms our healthcare system, potentially delaying diagnoses for people with cancer.

— Torie Bosch, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026
The game was one of many across the Southland delayed or postponed by lightning, particularly in Orange County.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of delay

Verb

Holding additional liquidity has an opportunity cost, but insufficient liquidity during a downturn can force an organization to sell assets, accept expensive financing or defer investment.

— Erik Clarke, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
The Falcons have won the toss and deferred each of the past three games, only for their opponent to go down and score each time.

— AJC.com, AJC.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of defer

Browse Nearby Words

shelters

shelve

shelved

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Style

“Shelve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shelve. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of shelve

verb

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