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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prune
These were often seen as low-hanging fruit-type deals to prune a smaller or underperforming unit to boost value within the main company.
—
Michael Flaherty, Axios, 13 Jan. 2025
Several botanic gardens, such as South Coast Botanic Gardens in Rolling Hills Estates and the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, have tulip and bulb gardens — the Huntington plants them in its famous rose garden to create filler color after the roses are pruned.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025
Although they can be pruned into any shape, Wood recommends that pruning is kept within the framework of the plant.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2025
Grape vines and trees will lose their crop if they aren’t pruned in time.
—Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for prune 
Michael Flaherty, Axios, 13 Jan. 2025
Several botanic gardens, such as South Coast Botanic Gardens in Rolling Hills Estates and the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, have tulip and bulb gardens — the Huntington plants them in its famous rose garden to create filler color after the roses are pruned.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025
Although they can be pruned into any shape, Wood recommends that pruning is kept within the framework of the plant.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2025
Grape vines and trees will lose their crop if they aren’t pruned in time.
—Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for prune
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prune
Verb
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Nearly $2 billion in upgrades would only shave off 10 minutes from the 5.5-hour journey, according to the study. $24 billion in upgrades would trim 35 minutes.—
Ryan Deto,
Axios,
6 Feb. 2025
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Brie Larson shaved her head for a West End play, Machine Gun Kelly is rocking a man bun, and Lisa Rinna went full blunt-bang chic.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
3 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Funding for United Nations agencies, including peacekeeping, human rights and refugee agencies, have been traditional targets for Republican administrations to cut.—
Ellen Knickmeyer,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2025
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Crews found heavy flames coming from the front of the home and focused their efforts on search and rescue while also cutting holes in the roof of the house to release smoke and gas, the Fire Department said in a social media post.—
Amy McDaniel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Just remember to trim your cat's nails to avoid unwanted scratches, Sung said.—
Claire Thornton,
USA TODAY,
31 Jan. 2025
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Tulsi Gabbard trimmed her confirmation hearing opening remarks, leaving out a line accusing the intelligence committee of leaking information to build up the Russia investigation against President Trump, Axios has learned.—
Stef W. Kight,
Axios,
30 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Atwater and his son were the last caretakers of the lot, mowing the grass and making sure the property taxes were paid.—
Ben Wieder,
Miami Herald,
26 Jan. 2025
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Duffie said the commission wants to encourage residents within Porter to develop their own gardens, which would mean less grass to mow and the lower use of fertilizers and pesticides.—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near prune
Cite this Entry
“Prune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prune. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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