as in shaving
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
Examples 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 pruning
Remove dead or diseased canes while pruning.
—
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2024
Likewise, pruning provides an abundance of cuttings to propagate.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2024
Crape myrtles don't need much pruning to stay healthy.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Dec. 2024
If needed, plants can be shaped through light pruning in early spring.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2024
Small infestations can be scraped off by hand or removed through pruning at any time.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2024
By pruning unnecessary tasks and focusing on meaningful work, leaders can make space for larger, bolder ideas to emerge.
—Sherzod Odilov, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Hydrangea species vary in their winter hardiness as well as pruning needs.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2024
Jobs include seed collection, sowing seed flats, transplanting seedlings, pruning, processing cuttings, composting, pot washing, weeding and maintaining the nursery space.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2024
Likewise, pruning provides an abundance of cuttings to propagate.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2024
Crape myrtles don't need much pruning to stay healthy.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Dec. 2024
If needed, plants can be shaped through light pruning in early spring.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2024
Small infestations can be scraped off by hand or removed through pruning at any time.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2024
By pruning unnecessary tasks and focusing on meaningful work, leaders can make space for larger, bolder ideas to emerge.
—Sherzod Odilov, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Hydrangea species vary in their winter hardiness as well as pruning needs.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2024
Jobs include seed collection, sowing seed flats, transplanting seedlings, pruning, processing cuttings, composting, pot washing, weeding and maintaining the nursery space.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near pruning
Cite this Entry
“Pruning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pruning. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share