as in trimmed
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as in shaved
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 pruned
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
Literary Hub,
26 June 2026
Another shrub that blooms on new wood, it should be pruned in late winter during the plant's dormancy period, from late November to early March, before new growth appears to encourage the development of summer buds and blooms.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
25 June 2026
The leaves peaking out from the hydrangea's crown in the spring need to be pruned to promote new growth, typically by cutting it back to the ground.
—
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
24 June 2026
Infected leaves should be pruned and destroyed.
—
Sj McShane,
Martha Stewart,
22 June 2026
Most plants should be pruned in the fall when the weather is cool.
—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 June 2026
Several botanic gardens, such as South Coast Botanic Gardens in Rolling Hills Estates and the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, have tulip and bulb gardens — the Huntington plants them in its famous rose garden to create filler color after the roses are pruned.
—
Jeanette Marantos,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
Never leave pruned plant debris lying around the base of the tomato.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
They are edited, softened, brokered, litigated, sentimentalized, and pruned.
—
Literary Hub,
26 June 2026
Another shrub that blooms on new wood, it should be pruned in late winter during the plant's dormancy period, from late November to early March, before new growth appears to encourage the development of summer buds and blooms.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
25 June 2026
The leaves peaking out from the hydrangea's crown in the spring need to be pruned to promote new growth, typically by cutting it back to the ground.
—
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
24 June 2026
Infected leaves should be pruned and destroyed.
—
Sj McShane,
Martha Stewart,
22 June 2026
Most plants should be pruned in the fall when the weather is cool.
—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 June 2026
Several botanic gardens, such as South Coast Botanic Gardens in Rolling Hills Estates and the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, have tulip and bulb gardens — the Huntington plants them in its famous rose garden to create filler color after the roses are pruned.
—
Jeanette Marantos,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pruned
Adjective
-
Prevent ant hills by maintaining trimmed grass, removing debris, tilling soil, and planting pest-repellent herbs like mint or basil.
-
Air drying your un-trimmed hair might feel flat and weighed down, making some of the features in your face feel out of proportion.
Verb
-
His head is freshly shaved and that same cheeky, yet surprisingly eloquent Egg-ness immediately comes through over our half-hour interview.
-
The Supreme Court ruled that a Louisiana prisoner whose dreadlocks were forcibly shaved off by prison guards cannot sue them under a federal law designed to protect the religious rights of prisoners.
Verb
-
Kirkmeyer has campaigned on affordability and safety issues, Bottoms is pushing for a redo of the state's education system among other things and Marx wants to cut regulations and lower the cost of living.
-
Terrell Carstens, a 25-year resident of Brookhaven, said she is frustrated the city made little effort to find places to cut costs instead of raising the rate.
Verb
-
The material itself is soft, breathable, and machine washable for easy cleaning, and the pillow rolls up into a convenient carrying pouch that can be clipped onto your personal item for easy access.
-
Pinch-hitter Jose Tabata fouled off a pair of 2-2 pitches before Scherzer clipped him on the elbow with a breaking ball.
Cite this Entry
“Pruned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pruned. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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