trim 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of trimnext
as in tidy
being clean and in good order kept his journal entries trim, never crossing out words or scribbling, but printing exactly and nicely

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trim

2 of 3

noun

1
as in shape
a state of being or fitness the doctor declared her to be in good trim for the race

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2
as in ornament
something that decorates or beautifies added a little trim to her cocktail dress to make it a little fancier

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trim

3 of 3

verb

ˈtrim How to pronounce trim (audio)
1
as in to master
to achieve a victory over a speed skater who consistently trimmed all his competition

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2
as in to whip
to defeat by a large margin they trimmed our team by 40 points

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3
as in to shave
to make (something) shorter or smaller with the use of a cutting instrument trimmed her bangs

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4
as in to decorate
to make more attractive by adding something that is beautiful or becoming trim a tree for Christmas

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5
as in to organize
to make neat trimmed the shrubbery in order to enhance the house's curb appeal

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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 trim
Adjective
Trees that are suited to your growing zone and local climate conditions will be easier to maintain over time, but be mindful of the pruning and other types of care trees will need to keep them looking trim, tidy, and healthy. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026 Owner complaints around the current-generation Tundra have included interior rattles and occasional trim or electronic issues. — Josh Max, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
There is also a Ritz Suede Varsity Jacket finished with striped rib trim. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026 This one’s faux-fur trim and lining and cushioned Skechers Memory Foam™ footbed will keep their feet incredibly toasty. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
While Innamorato trimmed other county departments, her budget introduced last week adds $10 million more to the jail. — Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026 Kiffin and his staff will figure out what works and what doesn't on this roster, and trim the fat where necessary. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trim
  1. tidy
  2. shape
  3. ornament
  4. master
  5. whip
  6. shave
  7. decorate
  8. organize
Adjective
  • One of the earlier protests in the South Bay saw a tidy column of around 50 protesters walk south on the boardwalk connecting Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach.
    — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • For pickup owners, this approach can be particularly useful because a tidy cabin means less time searching for essentials and less clutter competing for valuable space.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of tidy
Noun
  • The wide-leg pants keep things relaxed, and the ruched waist on the knit top adds shape and makes the whole look feel more polished than a standard sweatshirt set.
    — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Part of its purpose, from the beginning, was not only to deliver new facts but to interpret ragged events for a nervous audience of relatively prosperous, largely white viewers who shared Wallace’s concern about the shape and tenor of the future.
    — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of shape
Noun
  • Scarabs, serpents, vultures, lunar ornaments, ancient gods like Horus and Anubis carved from gold and lapis lazuli—all strategically placed on various points along the body.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2026
  • With a tornado warning in effect Sunday afternoon, workers had decided to forgo blowing up the oversized lawn ornament.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of ornament
Verb
  • Celebrity hairstylist Brian Magallones considers this the perfect balance between a not-too-fussy and not-too-structured chignon, a style that sounds tough to style without a professional team but is actually quite easy to master at-home.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The 73-year-old (74 as of Sunday) mastered his craft at a time when the tale had to be told in 22 minutes, with the anxious knowledge that should any of those minutes lag, viewers would simply switch channels.
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of master
Verb
  • Now imagine whipping your phone out after work, telling the world about it, and landing a brand deal worth $10K or more.
    — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Now imagine the same hot and dry conditions, but with the Santa Anas whipping at 40 miles an hour.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of whip
Verb
  • Especially right now, since Amazon just shaved 25% off for the Prime Day afterparty.
    — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Apparently, Tony Romo shaved two strokes off his final round scorecard.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of shave
Verb
  • Kitted out like a beachhouse, the exhibition stand is decorated with the show’s classic red life preservers, surfboards and even a lifeguard’s hut on the patio.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • On the day of the scavenger hunt, the team hides its creations around town, while ravenous worm-hunters eagerly await their first hint of where a ceramic worm decorated to look like a pickle, or a crayon, or a rainbow dinosaur, can be found.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of decorate
Verb
  • The team’s last-second win over the Philadelphia Eagles last week in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was organized and operated by the NFL, part of the league’s more standard rotation of all teams playing overseas.
    — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Workers are organizing at manufacturing plants, in newsrooms, in technology, in hospitals, on college campuses, and construction sites.
    — Liz Shuler, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of organize

Browse Nearby Words

trilogy
trim
trimeter
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Cite this Entry

“Trim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trim. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trim

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