PRUNING Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

pruning

verb

present participle of prune

as in shaving

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

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 pruning Frequently Asked Questions All hibiscus needs some sort of pruning every year, but the amount depends on the type of hibiscus. — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 3 Sep. 2026 However, pruning at planting is essential for developing a strong, productive canopy. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 21 Aug. 2026 Peach production is a labor-intensive endeavor, but pruning itself is not difficult. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2026 These meek pay hikes parallel local bosses pruning staff in early 2026. — Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 10 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pruning

Verb

The 23-year-old and his Serbia team-mates won the Davis Cup for the first time in December 2010, and fulfilled a promise by shaving their heads in celebration.

— Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Go bananas with shaving cream Have your kids hop into a dry bathtub with their swimsuit on.

— Michelle Crouch, Parents, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of shaving

Verb

Trading firms began using low-latency (shorter delay) technology and co-locating servers inside exchange data centers, cutting trade execution times to milliseconds and making speed itself a competitive advantage.

— Brian Lund, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Sep. 2026
Jet fuel costs have skyrocketed, too, leading airlines to hike airfare and baggage fees while cutting less profitable flights.

— Matt Egan, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of cutting

Verb

Rebroadcasting, clipping or other uses are not permitted without licensing.

— Brian Smith, Des Moines Register, 21 Aug. 2026
Mastering the clipping economy Some of Ossoff’s newfound fans know him mostly from clips — one or two-minute-long videos that travel wide and far on social media platforms.

— Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of clipping

Verb

Having a healthy lawn means managing soil conditions for the roots, mowing properly, and strengthening the density of the grass by overseeding.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 Sep. 2026
However, while mowing and aerating may be top-of-mind, top dressing isn’t always a go-to task on the lawn care checklist.

— Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of mowing

Browse Nearby Words

prunes

pruning

prurience

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Pruning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pruning. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of pruning

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

inexorable

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes