as in cutting
to make (something) shorter or smaller with the use of a cutting instrument
pared the stray branches on the tree
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of paring
Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025
Using sharp paring knife, cut four 1 1/2-inch long slits in top of dough (think of a clock for slit placement at 12,3,6,9 positions).
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026
Since no one wants clutter crowding their new space, paring down belongings often comes with the territory.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for paring
Noun
This 13-piece knife set has six handy blades, including a large chef’s knife for chopping and a paring blade for smaller slices.
—Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025
Using sharp paring knife, cut four 1 1/2-inch long slits in top of dough (think of a clock for slit placement at 12,3,6,9 positions).
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
These absences compounded the season-ending loss of Zach Collins, paring the Bulls frontcourt down to Guerschon Yabusele and Nick Richards.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026
Since no one wants clutter crowding their new space, paring down belongings often comes with the territory.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for paring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paring
Noun
-
Best solid toiletries to replace liquids for travel Replace your liquid shampoo with this multitasking shampoo bar that can be used to wash your hair and your body, as a lubricant for shaving or even to handwash items of clothing like underwear or socks.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Services include shaving, hair care and facial treatments, ranging from express face massages and 30-minute beard trimming priced at 30 euros and 50 euros, respectively, to two-hour long beauty sessions for 230 euros.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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After cutting direct military aid to Ukraine last year, Washington even reached out to Kyiv for its expertise in countering Iranian drones, which Russia uses to attack it.—
Robin Wright,
New Yorker,
8 Mar. 2026
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During one spurt, the freshman put up eight points in less than four minutes, cutting UCLA’s lead to 11.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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With the help of that tiny clipping of moss, the defendants were eventually convicted of desecrating human remains in 2015.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Toss clippings into a wheelbarrow or tarp for easy removal.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
1 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Ryan can't score after trimming more clock.—
American-Statesman staff,
Austin American Statesman,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Despite being outshot through the first two periods, the Cougars hung tough before trimming the Moorhead lead to just one early in the third.—
Frank Rajkowski,
Twin Cities,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
From removing splinters or opening bandages, to snagging ingrown hairs and tightening eyeglass screws, tweezers are one of those travel essentials that my mom never regrets packing.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Feb. 2026
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Similarly, older floors tend to creak and squeak underfoot, and may even have loose staples, nails, or wooden splinters that can put you at risk.—
Timothy Dale,
The Spruce,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
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On the tea-time menu that Wednesday is Vazhakkai Bajji, green plantain slivers folded into spicy chickpea batter, deep-fried a crisp orange-brown and presented on a banana leaf with a coconut dipping chutney on the side.—
Kalpana Mohan,
Mercury News,
4 Mar. 2026
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Far from busier beach bars that draw maritime visitors, Island Paradise Restaurant offers classic Caribbean fare bursting with flavor in a quaint local home with a sliver of an ocean view.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Paring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paring. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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