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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in trimmed
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2025
Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Too-large plants need to be pruned forever.
—Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
Other hydrangea types, like panicle and smooth, grow on new wood so they can be pruned in fall, but waiting until spring provides protection against new growth emerging during warm spells.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
Petunias, which have become disheveled and leggy, can be pruned back to put out fresh, green growth and new blooms.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2025
Since perennial firespike shrubs are very vigorous it’s recommended they be pruned in late February and as needed throughout the growing season.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
Any budding Karadec-Morgan relationship will be pruned down in the new season.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
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
Verb
Even if a tree belongs to your neighbor, do not throw pruned branches onto their property for cleanup.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
The fact that the Sherman Oaks crape myrtles were winter-pruned could not have had any effect on flowering since crape myrtles are among those trees whose flower buds are formed in spring or even later in the growing season.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Too-large plants need to be pruned forever.
—Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
Other hydrangea types, like panicle and smooth, grow on new wood so they can be pruned in fall, but waiting until spring provides protection against new growth emerging during warm spells.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
Petunias, which have become disheveled and leggy, can be pruned back to put out fresh, green growth and new blooms.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2025
Since perennial firespike shrubs are very vigorous it’s recommended they be pruned in late February and as needed throughout the growing season.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
Any budding Karadec-Morgan relationship will be pruned down in the new season.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
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
Verb
-
Lush lumps of rock crab arrived in a flying saucer made of ice and covered with kohlrabi shaved thin as a layer of frost.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Meanwhile, video posted by the Salvadoran government showed detainees stripped and having their heads shaved before being frog-marched in handcuffs and chains at their feet and waist into the prison.—
Nick Penzenstadler,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
However, Walmart has also trimmed some of its tech jobs in the Bay Area this year, WARN notices the company has filed with the state EDD show.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
10 Sep. 2025
-
His hair, which had been neatly trimmed for a court appearance several months ago, was darker and disheveled, his face bearded.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Others have cut bills by a factor of five.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Jobless claims hit their highest level since 2021 last week, adding to recent labor market revisions that have fueled confidence the Fed will cut rates in September.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The video quickly clipped to the white sedan engulfed in flames.—
Paulina Dedaj,
FOXNews.com,
2 Sep. 2025
-
In contrast, other states with stricter regimes may have their wings clipped.—
Owen Tedford,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pruned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pruned. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share