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
Pruning and Overwintering Any major pruning should be done in winter, when mulberries are dormant, as this is the least stressful time to prune them, as with many other trees.
—
Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 8 May 2026
Then search for outlying suckers and prune them down to the ground.
—Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026
May is a key month in the garden, from pruning to planting, so spend some time there.
—Arkansas Online, 1 May 2026
Here are eight kinds of trees that should not be pruned in spring.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for prune
Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 8 May 2026
Then search for outlying suckers and prune them down to the ground.
—Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026
May is a key month in the garden, from pruning to planting, so spend some time there.
—Arkansas Online, 1 May 2026
Here are eight kinds of trees that should not be pruned in spring.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for prune
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prune
Verb
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But drivers wouldn’t immediately see that full amount shaved off their bills under a suspension.—
Wyatte Grantham-Philips,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
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Ghia’s take on the XK140 was likely even faster, since its lightweight aluminum body—replacing the standard model’s steel shell—shaved as much as 220 pounds.—
Howard Walker,
Robb Report,
13 May 2026
Verb
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The Tempo cut it to three midway through the fourth while Brittany Sykes (27 points, seven assists) sparked Toronto’s rally.—
Marisa Ingemi,
Los Angeles Times,
16 May 2026
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Kreutzer cuts clunkily and repeatedly between the ongoing crises in two households, presumably implying that the men in these women’s lives are all tarred with the same patriarchal brush.—
Stephanie Bunbury,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Cut off and discard the leaves, then remove any brown spots and trim the ends.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
14 May 2026
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The rising cost of fuel and groceries has trimmed their choices to the necessities.—
Marvin Hurst,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Never mow while the grass is wet—this will spread disease.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
18 May 2026
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Regularly mowing and trimming plants can make a huge difference.—
Michelle Mastro,
The Spruce,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prune. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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