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
To treat the fungus, Lalicata's advice is to prune off infected leaves.
—
Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Jan. 2026
In regions with freezing winters, pruning should be done in February or March, before new shoots and leaves grow.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 20 Jan. 2026
There are several pruning techniques, and rejuvenation pruning is not the right one for every kind of shrub.
—Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
The asparagus knife was found among the containers in the basement, alongside other grafting and pruning knives.
—Sam Vong, The Conversation, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prune
Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Jan. 2026
In regions with freezing winters, pruning should be done in February or March, before new shoots and leaves grow.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 20 Jan. 2026
There are several pruning techniques, and rejuvenation pruning is not the right one for every kind of shrub.
—Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
The asparagus knife was found among the containers in the basement, alongside other grafting and pruning knives.
—Sam Vong, The Conversation, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prune
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prune
Verb
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Eger’s blonde hair was shaved and her earrings were pulled off, leaving her ears bleeding.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
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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
Verb
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With the benefit of hindsight, analysts and investors have blamed much of Kraft Heinz’s downward spiral on the brutal cost-cutting strategy imposed after the merger.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
31 Jan. 2026
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Beijing has spent decades growing its trade ties and bankrolling projects in the region, to boost transportation links and cut energy costs – cementing its own influence along the way.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Federal Reserve, in an attempt to shore up a softening labor market, trimmed its benchmark lending rate by a quarter-point three straight times at the end of last year.—
Matt Ott,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Jan. 2026
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The Black Edition has black all over, including the body, trim, 18-inch alloy wheels, skidplate, and grille—and even black glass, almost, or privacy glass.—
Erik Shilling,
Robb Report,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Gene Caballero is a landscaping expert and founder of GreenPal, an on-demand lawn mowing company.—
Nishaa Sharma,
The Spruce,
26 Jan. 2026
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When one member deployed to Kosovo, the others mowed his family’s grass.—
Paige Williams,
New Yorker,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prune. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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