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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Recent Examples of pruning
Ahead, experts share simple tips for caring for hoya plants, covering everything from planting to pruning.
—
Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026
Avoid pruning in spring, summer, or fall to prevent cutting off new flowers and stressing the tree.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2026
Hydrangea species vary in their winter hardiness as well as pruning needs.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026
When pruning time arrives be kind.
—Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2026
Note that January is the traditional time to start pruning roses and fruit trees in Southern California.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026
This easy task is known as thumb pruning and facilitates keeping the bush open to air and sun.
—Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 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
Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026
Avoid pruning in spring, summer, or fall to prevent cutting off new flowers and stressing the tree.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2026
Hydrangea species vary in their winter hardiness as well as pruning needs.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026
When pruning time arrives be kind.
—Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2026
Note that January is the traditional time to start pruning roses and fruit trees in Southern California.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026
This easy task is known as thumb pruning and facilitates keeping the bush open to air and sun.
—Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pruning
Verb
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But now, federal prosecutors say Hennen is the fixer behind the biggest point-shaving scandal in history, accused of bribing 39 college players, corrupting 17 programs and fixing — or trying fix — 29 games to enrich himself and other gamblers.—
Andy Sheehan,
CBS News,
26 Jan. 2026
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This matters especially for risky creative choices — Stone shaving her head for Bugonia, Jordan playing twins in Sinners, Hawke embodying the rapid-fire wit of Lorenz Hart in Blue Moon.—
Hannah Abraham,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Nash kick-started things with a quick six points to open the third quarter, trimming it to a one-point game at 40-39.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
24 Jan. 2026
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This time, though, the Heat put together a 10-0 run as part of trimming the deficit to 103-92 entering the fourth.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Beijing has responded with a flurry of economic pressure, including cutting flights and warning citizens against traveling to Japan.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
25 Jan. 2026
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Last year marked a strong one for stock returns, despite a macroeconomic backdrop largely characterized by rising volatility amid escalating global tensions and a Federal Reserve rate cutting cycle.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
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However, there was still a lot of work to do, and with Mitchell clipping at his heels, the 18-year-old showed excellent composure to keep him at bay before planting a clinical shot past Dean Henderson.—
Tom Burrows,
New York Times,
26 Jan. 2026
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Treatment typically starts with clipping the fur around the injury, cleaning the area and, if needed, suturing the skin.—
Miriam Fauzia,
Dallas Morning News,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Keep lawns breathable by removing leaves, mowing before winter, and avoiding foot traffic or snow piles.—
David Beaulieu,
The Spruce,
28 Jan. 2026
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Work is seasonal by nature — mowing jobs in summer, snow removal in winter.—
Kathy Kristof,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pruning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pruning. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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