PRUNE Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

prune

verb

Definition of prune

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of prune Natural treatments include pruning affected areas, spraying with water, applying rubbing alcohol, or using horticultural oils. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Aug. 2026 Signs pothos needs pruning include the vines are too long, the plant puts out fewer leaves, or the leaves are turning yellow. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026 Beyond this zone, vegetation should be pruned, thinned and adequately spaced to avoid flames easily spreading. — John Abatzoglou, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026 Airlines pruned schedules this year, which can mean fewer flights per day or week on a certain route. — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prune

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prune

Verb

With competition so fierce in the race to build and release the latest AI models however, the expediency of shaving off every possible drag on speed trumps all.

— Emily Forlini, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026
Kath is competitive only about things that matter, like logging steps or shaving her legs, and the game had no bearing on her reality.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of shave

Verb

Low-flow plumbing fixtures and water-saving showerheads cut water consumption, and LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances lower overall energy use.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Humanitarian aid to Afghanistan – which is needed by approximately 45% of the population – has been dramatically cut by international donors since the Taliban returned to power, with women and girls bearing the brunt of those cuts.

— Kara Fox, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of cut

Verb

The machine is programmed in advance, allowing landscapers to complete other tasks, such as trimming and cleanup, while the mower cuts the grass.

— Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
The Tempo trimmed the deficit to four points in the final minute, but Bueckers hit a jumper to get the lead back to six before Isabelle Harrison was called for a charge.

— CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of trim

Verb

In the face of all this, why not find a boy from your hometown who makes good money mowing lawns or building homes or doing some other AI-proof work?

— Margaux MacColl, Vanity Fair, 11 Aug. 2026
Another approach is to surround a tree with a planting of a ground cover that doesn’t need to be mowed or trimmed.

— Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of mow

Browse Nearby Words

prudishness

prune

pruned

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“Prune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prune. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of prune

verb

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