as in to shave
to make (something) shorter or smaller with the use of a cutting instrument
pared the stray branches on the tree
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pare
Pairing that pared-down routine with a humidifier can make a noticeable difference, helping skin feel calmer and more comfortable through the rest of winter.
—
Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 5 Feb. 2026
References to patriotism are pared down, though not completely removed, and students wouldn’t be taught how the Bible and Judeo-Christian ideals influenced America’s founders.
—Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice, 5 Feb. 2026
Thanks to the Twins and Lynx for helping pare down the list.
—Brian Hall, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2026
Gold and silver prices rose after paring bigger, early gains.
—Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pare
Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 5 Feb. 2026
References to patriotism are pared down, though not completely removed, and students wouldn’t be taught how the Bible and Judeo-Christian ideals influenced America’s founders.
—Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice, 5 Feb. 2026
Thanks to the Twins and Lynx for helping pare down the list.
—Brian Hall, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2026
Gold and silver prices rose after paring bigger, early gains.
—Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pare
Verb
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However, the new measurements, courtesy of NASA's Juno spacecraft that is currently orbiting Jupiter, shaves about five miles (8 km) off the equator and about 15 miles (24 km) off at the poles.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
4 Feb. 2026
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The sides were much shorter, shaved down and brushed forward compared to the top.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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More recently, the mayor spoke out against the county’s plan to cut $200 million in homeless services.—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2026
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Local reports said Ukrainian missiles hit a power plant and an electrical substation, cutting power to parts of the city.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Hachimura helped the Lakers stay the course after their lead was trimmed to two points with 27 seconds left.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
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Officials say the goats will practically climb over each other to reach them, turning bush-trimming into a competitive sport.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pare. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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