as in to shave
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 prune
Also, pruning tomatoes and keeping excess foliage away from the soil will stave off soilborne diseases, including various fungal diseases that thrive in moist environments and attack your plants.
—
Heather Bien, Southern Living, 10 May 2025
If there are still firm and healthy white, green, or gray roots, prune away any black mushiness and leave the soil exposed for a few hours to dry out.
—Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2025
Learn the best techniques for growing citrus and berries, from pruning and fertilizing to harvest.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025
Jorvik’s mountain trike models feel like the ideal gardening companion for riders with large gardens who want to store a few pruning or planting tools in the rear compartment.
—Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prune
Heather Bien, Southern Living, 10 May 2025
If there are still firm and healthy white, green, or gray roots, prune away any black mushiness and leave the soil exposed for a few hours to dry out.
—Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2025
Learn the best techniques for growing citrus and berries, from pruning and fertilizing to harvest.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025
Jorvik’s mountain trike models feel like the ideal gardening companion for riders with large gardens who want to store a few pruning or planting tools in the rear compartment.
—Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prune
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prune
Verb
-
An article published that year by The New York Times notes that Davis shaved the front of her head for the part.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
5 June 2025
-
To begin, researchers tried to mimic sun exposure by shaving the dorsal skin of mice and applying cis-urocanic acid (dissolved in water).—
Jay Kakade
June 03,
New Atlas,
3 June 2025
Verb
-
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at Tuesday’s briefing that Vought would continue to cut spending, hinting that there could be additional efforts to return funds.—
Josh Boak,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2025
-
The end of Elon Musk’s time at the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency is the latest chapter in a long story: Republicans are better at cutting taxes than cutting spending.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
3 June 2025
Verb
-
The Owls trimmed the lead to 25-20 and got the ball back at their 30 with 32 seconds remaining in the game.—
Bruce Feldman,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
-
While restructuring in the name of efficiency is one way to trim headcount, a negative work environment can also have a direct impact on talent retention.—
The Hill,
The Hill,
30 May 2025
Verb
-
Always mow slopes and hills from side to side (and never mow when the grass is wet).—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
17 May 2025
-
Next door, the neighbors had just mowed their lawn early that morning.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prune. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share