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
Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026
Barber’s thinning shears pruned the hair near the scalp leaving long strands untouched on the outside hiding their pruning below the surface.
—Paul Keane, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2026
Shrubs like Korean spice viburnum, should not be pruned until they're done blooming.
—David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 7 Mar. 2026
By that time in early February, the orchard of Ross cling peaches, considered a late variety for the time of its summer harvest, workers would have pruned each tree and sprayed the orchard in anticipation of the impending bloom.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 26 Feb. 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
Prune As Needed Some vegetables won’t need to be pruned at all in indoor setups.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
Never leave pruned plant debris lying around the base of the tomato.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
Verb
Evergreens, however, are best pruned in the fall.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026
Barber’s thinning shears pruned the hair near the scalp leaving long strands untouched on the outside hiding their pruning below the surface.
—Paul Keane, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2026
Shrubs like Korean spice viburnum, should not be pruned until they're done blooming.
—David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 7 Mar. 2026
By that time in early February, the orchard of Ross cling peaches, considered a late variety for the time of its summer harvest, workers would have pruned each tree and sprayed the orchard in anticipation of the impending bloom.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 26 Feb. 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
Prune As Needed Some vegetables won’t need to be pruned at all in indoor setups.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Dec. 2024
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
-
The cheese, though, is white Prairie Breeze, shaved fine and mounded like a snowdrift atop the bowl.—
Robert F. Moss,
Southern Living,
9 Mar. 2026
-
At one point in his teenage years, Diaz was publicly humiliated by the football team who forcefully shaved his curly hair.—
Andrea Flores,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Even as Michigan State came roaring back in the second half, cutting the lead to just two in the final minute, UCLA never flinched.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Orangefield cut the lead to 8 points a couple of times late in the game, but Cobb made 5 of 6 free throws in the final 46 seconds to keep the Bobcats at bay.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This year’s ceremony also clipped the winning speeches pretty short, but at least some of that time went to a truly poignant in memoriam.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
16 Mar. 2026
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They were clipped onto a pair of sheer black mesh thigh-high tights, adding some subtle coverage to the mini look.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pruned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pruned. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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