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
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 Dec. 2025
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
The fence corners are clean, so are the ditches, and the fruit trees have been pruned and sprayed.
—Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 23 Oct. 2025
When experiences don’t occur, that particular set of connections won’t be made, because neurons that aren’t seeing any action get pruned away to keep our brains working efficiently.
—Big Think, 22 Oct. 2025
In warmer regions, some ornamental grasses might not need to be pruned annually.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025
Outside the home, keep tree branches pruned, and as far away from the house as possible.
—Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 3 Oct. 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
Adjective
Even if a tree belongs to your neighbor, do not throw pruned branches onto their property for cleanup.
—Verb
Evergreens can be pruned in the spring after their new growth for the season is complete.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for pruned
Adjective
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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.—
Verb
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Her brother shaved his head alongside her, while friends organized care packages, drove her to sessions and offered constant encouragement.—
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Junior grabbed a hair clipper, held her against the bed and shaved her head.—
Verb
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Carolina cut the lead 17-14 at halftime after a 1-yard touchdown run by Hubbard and a 16-yard scramble by Young, the second-longest TD run of his career.—
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This same staff cut him to make room for a waiver-wire claim before the start of the 2024 season.—
Verb
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Once Jeopardy's John Pork question was clipped for TikTok, users on the platform argued that the clue wasn't completely accurate, as John Pork appeared on social media as early as 2018, before generative AI was widely accessible.—
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Gausman allowed a solo home run to Dodgers catcher Will Smith, and two batters later, he got clipped by third baseman Max Muncy.—
Cite this Entry
“Pruned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pruned. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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