Definitions

shelves

[shelvz] / ʃɛlvz /

NOUN

jutting, flat area or piece

Synonyms

STRONGEST

counter cupboard ledge rack

STRONG

bank bracket console mantelpiece mantle reef ridge rock shallow shoal

VERB

defer, postpone

Synonyms

STRONGEST

freeze give up mothball prolong put off suspend waive

STRONG

delay dismiss drop hold pigeonhole prorogue scrub sideline stay table

WEAK

hang up hold off hold over hold up lay aside put aside put on back burner put on hold put on ice slow up tie up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

continue go

STRONG

advance

WEAK

carry out do go ahead

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A military plan for blockading the Strait of Hormuz has been sitting on the shelves at U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Oral Wegovy may have beaten Foundayo to the shelves, too, but Lilly figured out how to distinguish its pill another way.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Within days, inventory systems may no longer match what is actually on shelves.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

“He had just finished setting up the bassinet, shelves, and his baby basket,” said Trejo.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

The thing about this room was that the books didn’t stop on the shelves.

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova