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

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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 However, pruning at planting is essential for developing a strong, productive canopy. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 21 Aug. 2026 Most perennials require some pruning to maintain the plants’ shape, promote blooming, and keep them healthy. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 19 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

Furthermore, Bailey stated that simply not cutting rates already constitutes monetary policy tightening.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Enacting a solution is liable to be a significant political battle, likely involving cutting benefits for some Americans or raising taxes on higher earners, or both.

— Ashley Lopez, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of cutting

Verb

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
Murcko has been tapped to steer the company’s global revenue organization, overseeing brand partnerships, direct media sales, podcast sales, clipping and other brand and sponsorship activities.

— William Earl, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of clipping

Verb

There are plenty of landscaping tasks to perform year-round, from mowing the grass to watering your flowers.

— Molly Burford, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2026
The workers are in the district’s landscape maintenance, conservation and experiential programming, fleet and facilities departments — clearing roads, mowing lawns, cleaning buildings, maintaining trails and emptying trash cans.

— A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of mowing

Browse Nearby Words

prunes

pruning

prurience

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“Pruning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pruning. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of pruning

verb

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