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 With the arrival of fall, Wilson is getting ready to prune what’s left of the plants, fertilize the soil, lay down some straw and netting, and wait out the wintry weather. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026 Gregory Hair, the founder and managing director of SLIDE Living, also recommends pruning your hibiscus lightly. — Jane Kim, The Spruce, 26 Sep. 2026 New York — Starbucks is closing approximately 250 locations in the coming days as the coffee chain continues to prune its store count during its turnaround efforts. — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026 On one canvas, a woman prunes a plant and a cook tends his stove atop amid a procession of celestial beings. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prune

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prune

Verb

Especially right now, since Amazon just shaved 25% off for the Prime Day afterparty.

— Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026
Apparently, Tony Romo shaved two strokes off his final round scorecard.

— Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of shave

Verb

Inspectors observed cutting boards with cut marks and no longer cleanable in the first-floor kitchen.

— David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
Ellison has taken an opposing view from his predecessors who confronted crumbling industry economics by cutting expenditures to boost their corporate bottom lines.

— Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of cut

Verb

This year’s Democrats are making hard plays for northeast Ohio, at least to trim the GOP margins.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Amid the ongoing labor negotiations in baseball, which is widely expected to result in a work stoppage this winter, MLB agreed to trim the requirement to five years for players over 30 years old.

— Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of trim

Verb

In those areas, IDOT mows less often, applies targeted herbicides to invasive plants, and in some instances sows milkweed seed and other native plants.

— Susan DeGrane, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Overseed thin areas, mow at the proper height, and maintain consistent watering so grass can outcompete weeds.

— Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 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 16 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of prune

verb

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