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
Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026
Any vines that are overwhelming a tree in this fashion need to be removed or drastically pruned.
—Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
They’re thoughtfully placed and well pruned.
—Calin Van Paris, Outside, 19 Mar. 2026
Limelight hydrangea flowers on new growth and should be pruned in late winter or early spring before bud break.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 16 Mar. 2026
Shrubs that flower in summer and fall are best pruned in early spring.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2026
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
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
Adjective
Never leave pruned plant debris lying around the base of the tomato.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
Verb
These perennials will provide color on and off throughout the year as long as they are moderately pruned after each flush of flowers.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026
Any vines that are overwhelming a tree in this fashion need to be removed or drastically pruned.
—Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
They’re thoughtfully placed and well pruned.
—Calin Van Paris, Outside, 19 Mar. 2026
Limelight hydrangea flowers on new growth and should be pruned in late winter or early spring before bud break.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 16 Mar. 2026
Shrubs that flower in summer and fall are best pruned in early spring.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2026
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
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
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
-
Resurfacing and Sculpting treatment shaved years off of my skin’s appearance (and all of its New York City congestion) in a matter of 60 minutes.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Due to severely matted fur, much of his coat had to be shaved.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Medical experts say if a rattlesnake bites, keep the area still, at or below heart level, do not apply ice, do not cut the wound, and do not suck out the venom – and seek help immediately.—
Jasmine Viel,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
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The Aztecs were within nine points late in the first half against Michigan and had a 3 rattle out that would have cut it to six before getting their doors blown off 94-54, their most lopsided defeat of the 21st century.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Rowland, however, clipped a Columbus Aviators’ player in the back and flags flew just before Badger crossed the goal line.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 Mar. 2026
-
His Land Rover clipped another vehicle and went over.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pruned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pruned. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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