PRUNE Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

prune

verb

Definition of prune

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example 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 prune Pruning ‘Kaleidoscope’ Abelia ‘Kaleidoscope’ Abelia naturally develops a low mounding crown that requires little pruning to maintain. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2026 Like many bulbs, lilies store nutrients in their bulbs over winter, so pruning too early can reduce next year’s blooms of these perennial flowers. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2026 Fall pruning can stimulate tender new growth that is easily killed by cold. — Pam Rosendal, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2026 With the arrival of fall, Wilson is getting ready to prune what’s left of the plants, fertilize the soil, lay down some straw and netting, and wait out the wintry weather. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prune

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prune

Verb

While this isn’t limited to Apple’s own devices, the newest iPhone models will definitely carry the biggest value and shave the most off your new Duo.

— Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026
Like almost winning a race, almost shaving a second off my time for the 3200m run, my event in high school, the one that got me into college, a recruit for someone else to gamble on.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of shave

Verb

Sullivan denied that the law would cut Medicaid for Alaskans, saying the Affordable Care Act had a greater impact and raised insurance premiums in the state drastically.

— Matthew Choi The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
The new version of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has been cut from a five-hour show performed across two parts to a single three-hour performance as it is performed on Broadway.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of cut

Verb

This year’s Democrats are making hard plays for northeast Ohio, at least to trim the GOP margins.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Amid the ongoing labor negotiations in baseball, which is widely expected to result in a work stoppage this winter, MLB agreed to trim the requirement to five years for players over 30 years old.

— Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of trim

Verb

Instead, lawn-mowing machines shred them, leaving plastic fragments in the soil for a very long time.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
Soil fertility is mostly beside the point, and even an inconvenience, since lawns have to be mowed, leaves blown into piles, and pollen hosed off windshields in the spring.

— James Whorton Jr, Longreads, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of mow

Browse Nearby Words

prudishness

prune

pruned

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“Prune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prune. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of prune

verb

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