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

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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 However, experts advise only pruning around one-third of roses and warn against overpruning. — Mallory Carra, The Spruce, 14 Aug. 2026 These meek pay hikes parallel local bosses pruning staff in early 2026. — Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 10 Aug. 2026 Many modern cultivars maintain compact forms without pruning. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2026 Prevent drooping by watering deeply in the morning, improving drainage, and pruning to maintain airflow and plant health. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 9 Aug. 2026 Such weather favored flowering, and Chow responded by pruning to prevent deformed or small fruit while stepping up watering and fertilization because of the heat. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026 Natural treatments include pruning affected areas, spraying with water, applying rubbing alcohol, or using horticultural oils. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pruning
  1. shaving
  2. trimming
  3. cutting
  4. clipping
  5. mowing
Verb
  • Go bananas with shaving cream Have your kids hop into a dry bathtub with their swimsuit on.
    — Michelle Crouch, Parents, 14 Aug. 2026
  • With competition so fierce in the race to build and release the latest AI models however, the expediency of shaving off every possible drag on speed trumps all.
    — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of shaving
Verb
  • The first came on a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Ko Kieft, trimming Tampa Bay’s deficit to 9-7 with just under seven minutes to play in the quarter.
    — Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
  • This relaxed-but-polished organic cotton sweater has a classic crew neckline and ribbed trimming to elevate the look.
    — Kaitlin Marks, Travel + Leisure, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of trimming
Verb
  • The finding highlights the challenge that could lie ahead if the county’s mayor and commissioners try to significantly reduce property-tax spending without cutting pay or services in those areas.
    — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
  • In 2025, 8086 kilograms of denim waste from cutting-table offcuts, testing and second-choice samples was converted into 600 boards.
    — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 21 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
  • 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
  • Mowing Too Close Most people consider mowing a chore and want to mow as infrequently as possible.
    — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of mowing

Browse Nearby Words

prunes
pruning
prurience
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Cite this Entry

“Pruning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pruning. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pruning

Nglish: Translation of pruning for Spanish Speakers

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