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
Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 4 Apr. 2026
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
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
Only part of the orchard had been pruned when Sarb Johl called off the job.
—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
Although it's not considered invasive, star jasmine does grow vigorously, and can quickly creep up your home's structure or wrap itself around trees and other surrounding plants if not regularly pruned.
—Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 4 Apr. 2026
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
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
Only part of the orchard had been pruned when Sarb Johl called off the job.
—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
-
Colbert pulled out another series still of the actor who appeared naked and obscured by an open newspaper while his wife, Lois, played by Jane Kaczmarek, shaved his back.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
-
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
Verb
-
Minnesota led by 10 with about four minutes left before Houston used an 8-2 run, with four points from Alperen Sengun, to cut the lead to 132-128 with about a minute to go.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
It is equipped with fold-out platforms, a large glass-bottom pool, and a lounge with a DJ booth, meaning seafarers can play with water toys by day and cut shapes by night.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The video that was clipped online cuts out Khanna’s response, where the congressman rebuffs the woman’s comments.—
Sydney Topf,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Apr. 2026
-
One video taken from inside the school bus shows students screaming and crying as the train passes behind the vehicle after being clipped.—
Michelle Spitzer,
USA Today,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pruned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pruned. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
