trim 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of trimnext
as in tidy
being clean and in good order kept his journal entries trim, never crossing out words or scribbling, but printing exactly and nicely

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trim

2 of 3

noun

1
as in shape
a state of being or fitness the doctor declared her to be in good trim for the race

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2
as in ornament
something that decorates or beautifies added a little trim to her cocktail dress to make it a little fancier

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trim

3 of 3

verb

ˈtrim How to pronounce trim (audio)
1
as in to master
to achieve a victory over a speed skater who consistently trimmed all his competition

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2
as in to whip
to defeat by a large margin they trimmed our team by 40 points

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3
as in to shave
to make (something) shorter or smaller with the use of a cutting instrument trimmed her bangs

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4
as in to decorate
to make more attractive by adding something that is beautiful or becoming trim a tree for Christmas

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5
as in to organize
to make neat trimmed the shrubbery in order to enhance the house's curb appeal

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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 trim
Adjective
Ambient lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, power driver’s seat, leather seating upholstery and a panoramic sunroof are higher trim-level features. — James Raia, Mercury News, 19 July 2026 Growing patent portfolio The trim-control application expands the intellectual property surrounding Vision Marine’s E-Motion electric propulsion platform. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
Noun
The trim on the neckline and hem ties together the whole look, IMO. — Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026 Like the Pro series, the Pixel 11 ditches the Pixel 10's forward-facing metal trim and goes fully black instead. — Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
How families are cutting back on back-to-school supplies Parents are responding by trimming the list. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026 Checking weatherstripping around doors and windows, inspecting outdoor faucets, trimming overgrown trees and servicing HVAC systems can help prevent unexpected issues down the line. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trim
  1. tidy
  2. shape
  3. ornament
  4. master
  5. whip
  6. shave
  7. decorate
  8. organize
Adjective
  • Zig Zag, tidy and efficient, offers just a couple of options at a time.
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Instead, legislators wrote themselves a tidy little political come-on.
    — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of tidy
Noun
  • Researchers spent decades trying to target a group of mutations called RAS — responsible for nearly a third of all human cancers — but the protein’s flat shape defied typical drugs.
    — Tasneem Nashrulla, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • And the collectors are looking for independent thinking, independent viewpoints, different designs, different shapes, different ideas.
    — Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of shape
Noun
  • The first offerings will include pieces inspired by Byzantine artworks including imperial medallions, architectural ornaments, and statuary.
    — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In addition to his ornament, Hynes is also gearing up for the release of his 2026 Countdown to Christmas movie The Nights Before Christmas, which was inspired in part by the actor’s love of Groundhog Day and the Back to the Future trilogy.
    — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of ornament
Verb
  • But what if the biggest output of mastering AI isn't actually a bigger career advantage, but instead the greatest gift is the time saved.
    — Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • But the practical race in 2026 is won by mastering both contests at once with absolute capability and radical efficiency, closed excellence and open diffusion, the biggest reliable compute and the smartest use of it.
    — Mark Minevich, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of master
Verb
  • Ella Langley continues to whip fans into a frenzy on social media.
    — David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Deploying everything from pickled green strawberries and fresh peas to whipped labneh with Banyul vinegar glaze, artful Viennoiserie evokes more than a little whimsy that spans sweet and savory.
    — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of whip
Verb
  • Centering consumer protection In 2020, a ghost candidate scheme that helped unseat Rodriguez relied on paying candidates to run who had no plans to win but could shave votes from Democratic candidates.
    — Romy Ellenbogen Herald, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026
  • At 25, England cricketer Chris Lewis experienced an even more direct consequence after team-mate Devon Malcolm shaved his head during England’s 1994 West Indies tour to raise money for Children in Need.
    — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of shave
Verb
  • The walls are decorated with memories, paintings and artwork, like needlework from his wife that depicts cats in their leisure time.
    — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Over the course of two long and decorated MLB careers — which includes Heyward’s five Gold Gloves, Freeman’s 10 All-Star selections, and five World Series rings between the two of them — their paths diverged and reconnected multiple times.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of decorate
Verb
  • The defense was organized and rebounded well from some early breakdowns on stretch running plays, and Petrino’s offense doesn’t look like the mess Freddie Kitchens’ group was last year.
    — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • In the Philippines, many time zones away from these major tournaments, fans organize watch parties for matches that often start after midnight.
    — Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of organize

Browse Nearby Words

trilogy
trim
trimeter
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Cite this Entry

“Trim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trim. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on trim

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trim

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