as in trimmed
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as in shaved
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 pruned
Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
Literary Hub, 23 Apr. 2026
Orange trees grown in warm climates have more time, but they should be pruned before new growth emerges in the spring.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026
They were also pruned sparingly, if at all, since pruning shortens the life of a birch.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026
Different plants need to be pruned at different times of the year, so always do a bit of research before bringing out your gardening shears.
—Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 15 Apr. 2026
It was also revealed in court that the tree had not been pruned in 15 to 20 years.
—Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026
Checking under leaves regularly and keeping your plants pruned for airflow can make a real difference.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Apr. 2026
Plants can be pruned multiple times a year to maintain their shape.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Apr. 2026
Any vines that are overwhelming a tree in this fashion need to be removed or drastically pruned.
—Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Never leave pruned plant debris lying around the base of the tomato.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
Verb
The seat is deliberately situated for maximum forest and sunrise view, and over the years the neighboring field had been an apple orchard pruned out to favor maturing maple trees that are used for tapping.
—Literary Hub, 23 Apr. 2026
Orange trees grown in warm climates have more time, but they should be pruned before new growth emerges in the spring.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026
They were also pruned sparingly, if at all, since pruning shortens the life of a birch.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026
Different plants need to be pruned at different times of the year, so always do a bit of research before bringing out your gardening shears.
—Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 15 Apr. 2026
It was also revealed in court that the tree had not been pruned in 15 to 20 years.
—Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026
Checking under leaves regularly and keeping your plants pruned for airflow can make a real difference.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Apr. 2026
Plants can be pruned multiple times a year to maintain their shape.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Apr. 2026
Any vines that are overwhelming a tree in this fashion need to be removed or drastically pruned.
—Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pruned
Adjective
-
White was one of seven players used by Self in a trimmed rotation that resulted in four players in double-digit scoring and three players with eight points each.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Each accommodation includes a trimmed Christmas tree, fireplace, and outdoor hot tub—ensuring comfort for couples or families settling in for a long winter’s night.—
Wendy O'Dea,
Robb Report,
28 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Shortly after revealing her diagnosis in February 2025, Mellencamp shaved her head to prep for surgery to remove a few of the tumors.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Brett Baty had a two-run single that shaved New York's deficit to 4-3 in the eighth, but Mark Vientos lined into an inning-ending double play with two runners aboard.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
When the Broncos cut Greenlaw, the 49ers wasted no time in bringing him back to pair with middle linebacker Fred Warner in hopes of reviving one of the NFL’s top linebacker tandems.—
Jerry McDonald,
Mercury News,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Jacksonville general manager James Gladstone and coach Liam Coen cut their teeth as part of the Rams organization, learning from GM Les Snead and coach Sean McVay.—
Mark Long,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Edmundson, who’d lost MacKinnon on his first goal, atoned by receiving Kempe’s pass in the high slot and flicking a shot that clipped Wedgewood on its way into the net.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
26 Apr. 2026
-
It was not known which way Woods was leaning before his SUV clipped the back of a trailer being pulled by a pickup truck on a residential road in Florida, turning his vehicle on its side.—
Doug Ferguson,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pruned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pruned. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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