as in to shave
to make (something) shorter or smaller with the use of a cutting instrument
pruned the dead branches from the old apple tree
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prune
Don’t Prune Just like fertilizer, pruning vegetables during hot weather can increase the risk of plant stress.
—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 June 2026
Infected leaves should be pruned and destroyed.
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Sj McShane,
Martha Stewart,
22 June 2026
Try to prune out the dead foliage to improve their appearance.
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Tim Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2026
Although all of the cars in the race had been pruned of windshield and fenders, even the exhaust system and muffler had been removed on these Fords so that four snub-nosed pipes jutted straight from the hood.
—
Eric Moskowitz,
The Atlantic,
31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for prune
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 June 2026
Infected leaves should be pruned and destroyed.
—
Sj McShane,
Martha Stewart,
22 June 2026
Try to prune out the dead foliage to improve their appearance.
—
Tim Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2026
Although all of the cars in the race had been pruned of windshield and fenders, even the exhaust system and muffler had been removed on these Fords so that four snub-nosed pipes jutted straight from the hood.
—
Eric Moskowitz,
The Atlantic,
31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for prune
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prune
Verb
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Zillow says that a pale pink bathroom could lose you up to $6,013, while a pale pink kitchen shaves an extra $4,201 off potential buyers' offers.
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The Supreme Court ruled that a Louisiana prisoner whose dreadlocks were forcibly shaved off by prison guards cannot sue them under a federal law designed to protect the religious rights of prisoners.
Verb
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Kirkmeyer has campaigned on affordability and safety issues, Bottoms is pushing for a redo of the state's education system among other things and Marx wants to cut regulations and lower the cost of living.
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Terrell Carstens, a 25-year resident of Brookhaven, said she is frustrated the city made little effort to find places to cut costs instead of raising the rate.
Verb
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This 30-piece Bosch router bit set is a top choice for woodworkers, trim work, edge profiles, and cabinet projects.
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Weed the edges around the sidewalk regularly and trim shrubs and grass that hang over the sidewalk because their shade can promote mold and moss growth.
Verb
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Maintain your yard by regularly mowing the lawn, trimming shrubs, and reducing moisture to deter chiggers.
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To help prevent borers, keep weedy areas around the garden mowed well.
Cite this Entry
“Prune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prune. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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