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
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 Dec. 2025
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026
Stems that have turned yellow or brown should be cut off right away while stems that are still green should be pruned only selectively as described below.
—Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 20 Jan. 2026
Trim Stems Growing Out of the Trunk Money trees are often pruned into a tidy shape that looks like a small tree.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2026
Most shrubs are best pruned selectively, using hand pruners, rather than with a power tool.
—Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
To prevent this, keep your tree properly pruned and keep a close eye on it.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 10 Jan. 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
Even if a tree belongs to your neighbor, do not throw pruned branches onto their property for cleanup.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 Dec. 2025
Verb
Young trees in their first year should only be pruned to remove dead or damaged wood.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026
Stems that have turned yellow or brown should be cut off right away while stems that are still green should be pruned only selectively as described below.
—Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 20 Jan. 2026
Trim Stems Growing Out of the Trunk Money trees are often pruned into a tidy shape that looks like a small tree.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2026
Most shrubs are best pruned selectively, using hand pruners, rather than with a power tool.
—Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
To prevent this, keep your tree properly pruned and keep a close eye on it.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 10 Jan. 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
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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
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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
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With a day shaved off his sentence for every day of good behavior, plus credit for nearly 19 months already spent behind bars, Grayson could be released in just under 8½ years.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Jan. 2026
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Eger’s blonde hair was shaved and her earrings were pulled off, leaving her ears bleeding.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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With the benefit of hindsight, analysts and investors have blamed much of Kraft Heinz’s downward spiral on the brutal cost-cutting strategy imposed after the merger.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
31 Jan. 2026
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Beijing has spent decades growing its trade ties and bankrolling projects in the region, to boost transportation links and cut energy costs – cementing its own influence along the way.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Kaiden Guhle clipped Sean Kuraly with a high stick – this one a no-doubter – and the B’s went back on the PP.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
25 Jan. 2026
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The car reportedly veered off Iron Point Road, hit a tree at the edge of the station’s parking lot, then continued about 60 yards across the lot, clipped a parked car and crashed into the elevated train platform.—
Bay Area News Group,
Mercury News,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pruned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pruned. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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