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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Recent Examples of prune
Childhood might be a particularly costly time to not move, because this is when developing brains prune unused potential.
—
Henry Abbott, The Atlantic, 12 July 2025
Like a garden that needs regular pruning to grow well, your relationship may need occasional tension to clear out emotional overgrowth and make space for healthier connection.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Since plumeria flowers grow at the end of each branch, pruning your tree may reduce the number of blooms until more branches can grow.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2025
Heavy infestations might be pruned from the plants and then a spray applied.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for prune
Henry Abbott, The Atlantic, 12 July 2025
Like a garden that needs regular pruning to grow well, your relationship may need occasional tension to clear out emotional overgrowth and make space for healthier connection.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Since plumeria flowers grow at the end of each branch, pruning your tree may reduce the number of blooms until more branches can grow.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2025
Heavy infestations might be pruned from the plants and then a spray applied.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for prune
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prune
Verb
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Bypassing the extensive zoning and civil engineering foundational work required for new structures can shave off months, if not years, from the overall project timeline.—
Dr. Dick Bridy,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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There is no law against eating, reading, adjusting the radio or shaving your body while driving.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
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But after Russia’s defeat at the hands of the British in the costly 1854-56 Crimean War, Tsar Nicholas II decided to cut his losses and relinquish the difficult-to-defend Alaska.—
Dan Morrison,
USA Today,
14 Aug. 2025
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An ability to get the products overland from Guyana’s capital, Georgetown, will cut weeks and substantial costs out of that supply chain.—
David Blackmon,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
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In the case of the plastic eel, trim the tail to a slim taper.—
Anthony A. Ciuffa,
Outdoor Life,
7 Aug. 2025
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To see if your rose bush is dying or just dormant, trim a cane that looks dead and cut away some of the bark.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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In Savannah, Georgia, landscaper Darius Cowherd took a break Tuesday in the cab of his work truck after spending the morning mowing grass, trimming bushes and blowing leaves in Forsyth Park in the coastal city’s downtown historic district.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
30 July 2025
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For instance, even small jobs like mowing a lawn, walking a dog, washing a car, or pulling weeds can teach children the basics of earning side money.—
Kris Ann Valdez,
Parents,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prune. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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