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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Correcting old pruning errors is a critical first step in restoring the trees to health.
—
Nicole Sours Larson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025
Krispy Kreme is looking to prune its unprofitable locations, which could affect up to 10% of its U.S. network.
—Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 8 May 2025
Two former HubSpot employees came out in defense, outlining that the business had been undertaking pruning strategies.
—Lis Anderson, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
They can be pruned but trimming stops the growth of the shoots and may leave brown stubs and possibly some yellow leaves.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for prune
Nicole Sours Larson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025
Krispy Kreme is looking to prune its unprofitable locations, which could affect up to 10% of its U.S. network.
—Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 8 May 2025
Two former HubSpot employees came out in defense, outlining that the business had been undertaking pruning strategies.
—Lis Anderson, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
They can be pruned but trimming stops the growth of the shoots and may leave brown stubs and possibly some yellow leaves.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for prune
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prune
Verb
-
An article published that year by The New York Times notes that Davis shaved the front of her head for the part.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
5 June 2025
-
To begin, researchers tried to mimic sun exposure by shaving the dorsal skin of mice and applying cis-urocanic acid (dissolved in water).—
Jay Kakade
June 03,
New Atlas,
3 June 2025
Verb
-
In a series of posts on social media, the National Weather Service warned that that twisters could be cutting across the central and southern part of the metro.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2025
-
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at Tuesday’s briefing that Vought would continue to cut spending, hinting that there could be additional efforts to return funds.—
Josh Boak,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2025
Verb
-
The Owls trimmed the lead to 25-20 and got the ball back at their 30 with 32 seconds remaining in the game.—
Bruce Feldman,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
-
While restructuring in the name of efficiency is one way to trim headcount, a negative work environment can also have a direct impact on talent retention.—
The Hill,
The Hill,
30 May 2025
Verb
-
He is used to mowing his lawn shirtless and in shorts – especially on hotter days – but recently, what seemed like a harmless habit sparked unexpected drama with his neighbors across the street.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
7 June 2025
-
On that side of the road, the grass was freshly mowed, and greener.—
Erika Hayasaki,
Smithsonian Magazine,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prune. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share