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
Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
The growth habits of the plants vary, too, ranging from low-lying shrubs to small trees that can be shaped and pruned to suit your space.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 17 May 2026
Plants are less likely to catch fire if they are properly irrigated, pruned to remove all dead material, and free of fallen leaves, needles and twigs.
—The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
If the only new growth is from the base of the plant, the entire top woody section has died back and it can be pruned to the ground.
—Marie Iannotti, The Spruce, 9 May 2026
Specimens in containers can be pruned to just 3 feet tall if needed.
—Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 2 May 2026
However, spruce and fir trees originate new growth from lateral buds rather than terminal buds, so they are pruned in late winter to minimize the sap and resin flow from wounds.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2026
These shoots should be pruned since ants will carry scale insects onto the plants via ground-rubbing leaves.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 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
Never leave pruned plant debris lying around the base of the tomato.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
Verb
The olive trees on the property are pruned sparingly, watered once a week during their first year, and left to take deep root in soil that will sustain them for decades.
—Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
The growth habits of the plants vary, too, ranging from low-lying shrubs to small trees that can be shaped and pruned to suit your space.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 17 May 2026
Plants are less likely to catch fire if they are properly irrigated, pruned to remove all dead material, and free of fallen leaves, needles and twigs.
—The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
If the only new growth is from the base of the plant, the entire top woody section has died back and it can be pruned to the ground.
—Marie Iannotti, The Spruce, 9 May 2026
Specimens in containers can be pruned to just 3 feet tall if needed.
—Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 2 May 2026
However, spruce and fir trees originate new growth from lateral buds rather than terminal buds, so they are pruned in late winter to minimize the sap and resin flow from wounds.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2026
These shoots should be pruned since ants will carry scale insects onto the plants via ground-rubbing leaves.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 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
-
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
-
But drivers wouldn’t immediately see that full amount shaved off their bills under a suspension.—
Wyatte Grantham-Philips,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
-
Ghia’s take on the XK140 was likely even faster, since its lightweight aluminum body—replacing the standard model’s steel shell—shaved as much as 220 pounds.—
Howard Walker,
Robb Report,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
The rooms Rooms are decorated in a cool, muted Pacific Northwest palette—soft shades, brass accents, and heavy drapes that cut the light just right.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 May 2026
-
Jake and Violet finally get married — and Station 42 gets to cut loose on the dance floor.—
Britt Hayes,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 May 2026
Verb
-
In multiple cases, other road users struck the autonomous vehicle from behind or clipped it while passing.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
16 May 2026
-
Posts can be clipped out of context or interpreted as official positions.—
Adam Goodcoff,
STAT,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pruned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pruned. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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