as in trimmed
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 pruned
Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
If the only new growth is from the base of the plant, the entire top woody section has died back and it can be pruned to the ground.
—Marie Iannotti, The Spruce, 9 May 2026
Types that bloom on new growth, such as panicle and smooth varieties, can be pruned between late fall and early spring.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 8 May 2026
Specimens in containers can be pruned to just 3 feet tall if needed.
—Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 2 May 2026
Certain Evergreens Evergreens seldom need to be pruned other than to remove branches that are broken or a potential safety hazard.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2026
These shoots should be pruned since ants will carry scale insects onto the plants via ground-rubbing leaves.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 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
Plants are less likely to catch fire if they are properly irrigated, pruned to remove all dead material, and free of fallen leaves, needles and twigs.
—The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
If the only new growth is from the base of the plant, the entire top woody section has died back and it can be pruned to the ground.
—Marie Iannotti, The Spruce, 9 May 2026
Types that bloom on new growth, such as panicle and smooth varieties, can be pruned between late fall and early spring.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 8 May 2026
Specimens in containers can be pruned to just 3 feet tall if needed.
—Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 2 May 2026
Certain Evergreens Evergreens seldom need to be pruned other than to remove branches that are broken or a potential safety hazard.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2026
These shoots should be pruned since ants will carry scale insects onto the plants via ground-rubbing leaves.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 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
-
White was one of seven players used by Self in a trimmed rotation that resulted in four players in double-digit scoring and three players with eight points each.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Each accommodation includes a trimmed Christmas tree, fireplace, and outdoor hot tub—ensuring comfort for couples or families settling in for a long winter’s night.—
Wendy O'Dea,
Robb Report,
28 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Labor Department revisions shaved 16,000 jobs from February and March payrolls.—
Paul Wiseman,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
-
Today, Sodebo’s current time is almost half that, yet there is more to be shaved off the record, which might even come down to as little as 30 days.—
Andrew Rice,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
Groenewegen is something like the 10th man down, landing heavily on his shoulder, still clipped into his pedals.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
9 May 2026
-
The attack was limited by the fact that the revolver only held 5 bullets and had to be reloaded one bullet at a time, as opposed to assault rifles that often have large detachable magazines that can be clipped in and out rapidly.—
The Denver Post Editorial Board,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pruned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pruned. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
