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
These trees need pruning in the winter to remove the internal twigs and let the sculptural trunks show.
—
Steve Bender, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026
After winter pruning in January, apply an organic granular fertilizer in mid-February or March as new growth begins.
—Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
Clipping, shaping, pruning, watering—maintaining a beautiful landscape can be hard work.
—Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026
Cutting in the Wrong Places If done incorrectly, pruning trees can leave behind open wounds, permanent damage, or spreading decay.
—Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 26 Feb. 2026
Anvil pruners shine when pruning thicker dead wood.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2025
Work pruning and removing trees began in the fall and is expected to be finished in early Spring 2025, officials said.
—Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2025
During sleep, scientists suspect that our bodies and brains are replenishing energy stores, flushing waste and toxins, pruning synapses and consolidating memories.
—Marla Broadfoot, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Dec. 2024
Just as pruning stimulates new plant growth, releasing what no longer serves us creates space for fresh opportunities.
—Jennifer Kamara, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Steve Bender, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026
After winter pruning in January, apply an organic granular fertilizer in mid-February or March as new growth begins.
—Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
Clipping, shaping, pruning, watering—maintaining a beautiful landscape can be hard work.
—Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026
Cutting in the Wrong Places If done incorrectly, pruning trees can leave behind open wounds, permanent damage, or spreading decay.
—Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 26 Feb. 2026
Anvil pruners shine when pruning thicker dead wood.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2025
Work pruning and removing trees began in the fall and is expected to be finished in early Spring 2025, officials said.
—Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2025
During sleep, scientists suspect that our bodies and brains are replenishing energy stores, flushing waste and toxins, pruning synapses and consolidating memories.
—Marla Broadfoot, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Dec. 2024
Just as pruning stimulates new plant growth, releasing what no longer serves us creates space for fresh opportunities.
—Jennifer Kamara, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pruning
Verb
-
After years of trying out different hairstyles, Suggs finally went all in on shaving it all off.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Soon, Melling’s Colin is obeying his lover’s every order, including by shaving himself bald and sleeping like a dog on the floor.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Ryan can't score after trimming more clock.—
American-Statesman staff,
Austin American Statesman,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Despite being outshot through the first two periods, the Cougars hung tough before trimming the Moorhead lead to just one early in the third.—
Frank Rajkowski,
Twin Cities,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
After cutting direct military aid to Ukraine last year, Washington even reached out to Kyiv for its expertise in countering Iranian drones, which Russia uses to attack it.—
Robin Wright,
New Yorker,
8 Mar. 2026
-
During one spurt, the freshman put up eight points in less than four minutes, cutting UCLA’s lead to 11.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The backs simulate a newspaper clipping and highlight a player milestone.—
Michael Salfino,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Mow lawns at normal height and allow clipping to remain in place.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Another alternative to hide the roots and eliminate mowing and tripping hazards is to plant a groundcover that thrives in the shade.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Clover lawns require minimal care, such as maintaining a higher mowing height and reducing the use of herbicides.—
Haniya Rae,
Martha Stewart,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pruning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pruning. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
