pruned 1 of 2

pruned

2 of 2

verb

past tense of prune
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
Adjective
Never leave pruned plant debris lying around the base of the tomato. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
Verb
Most varieties should be pruned in late winter or early spring. Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 27 June 2026 They are edited, softened, brokered, litigated, sentimentalized, and pruned. Literary Hub, 26 June 2026 When to Prune a Peace Lily Unlike many plants, peace lilies can be pruned at any time of year. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 26 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 Most plants should be pruned in the fall when the weather is cool. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pruned
Adjective
  • The fix is usually a trimmed hedge and a simple letter.
    Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2026
  • Prevent ant hills by maintaining trimmed grass, removing debris, tilling soil, and planting pest-repellent herbs like mint or basil.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 June 2026
Verb
  • His head is freshly shaved and that same cheeky, yet surprisingly eloquent Egg-ness immediately comes through over our half-hour interview.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2026
  • 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.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 24 June 2026
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.
    Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 27 June 2026
  • 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.
    Reed Williams, AJC.com, 27 June 2026
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.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2026
  • Pinch-hitter Jose Tabata fouled off a pair of 2-2 pitches before Scherzer clipped him on the elbow with a breaking ball.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pruned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pruned. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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