as in to shave
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prune
Correcting old pruning errors is a critical first step in restoring the trees to health.
—
Nicole Sours Larson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025
Krispy Kreme is looking to prune its unprofitable locations, which could affect up to 10% of its U.S. network.
—Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 8 May 2025
Two former HubSpot employees came out in defense, outlining that the business had been undertaking pruning strategies.
—Lis Anderson, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
They can be pruned but trimming stops the growth of the shoots and may leave brown stubs and possibly some yellow leaves.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for prune
Nicole Sours Larson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025
Krispy Kreme is looking to prune its unprofitable locations, which could affect up to 10% of its U.S. network.
—Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 8 May 2025
Two former HubSpot employees came out in defense, outlining that the business had been undertaking pruning strategies.
—Lis Anderson, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
They can be pruned but trimming stops the growth of the shoots and may leave brown stubs and possibly some yellow leaves.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for prune
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prune
Verb
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The accelerated pathway shaves time off the degree by eliminating some electives in the curriculum and the transition-to-residency coursework that’s usually offered in the fourth year.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
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That's a more modest bump to the specs of the previous S5 than the four-cylinder car, although one that still shaves a couple of tenths off the 0–60 time.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
18 June 2025
Verb
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Perry’s 10th playoff goal this season cut the Panthers lead to 4-2.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
15 June 2025
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Other options include raising payroll taxes, cutting benefits for future recipients, or a combination of all three.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 June 2025
Verb
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Though the index rebounded shortly after, its gains were trimmed in early 2025 as U.S. President Donald Trump ignited his trade war.—
Zinnia Lee,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
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Asparagus could be cut, trucked to the plant, trimmed, washed, blanched, packaged, and quick-frozen to -40 degrees Fahrenheit in less than two hours; one was the goal.—
John Seabrook
June 11,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2025
Verb
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He is used to mowing his lawn shirtless and in shorts – especially on hotter days – but recently, what seemed like a harmless habit sparked unexpected drama with his neighbors across the street.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
7 June 2025
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On that side of the road, the grass was freshly mowed, and greener.—
Erika Hayasaki,
Smithsonian Magazine,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prune. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.
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