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
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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
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Inside the prison, they were forced to kneel as their heads were shaved by guards.—
Nidia Cavazos,
CBS News,
23 May 2025
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Fred’s highlight this season has been shaving his beard.—
Stephanie Bunbury,
Deadline,
23 May 2025
Verb
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Republican bill cuts Medicaid for unemployed, undocumented children, Planned Parenthood How much do Americans rely on programs like Medicaid and Social Security?—
Riley Beggin,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
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During that same period, the company cut 3,000 jobs.—
Lindsay Owens,
Time,
22 May 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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Always mow slopes and hills from side to side (and never mow when the grass is wet).—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
17 May 2025
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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 4 Jun. 2025.
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