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 fashion has spent decades trying to shave seconds off sewing time, this occupies only a fraction of a much longer timeline for getting a shirt to the shop floor.

— Jessica Binns, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026
Miley Cyrus shaved the head of a fan who’s being treated for breast cancer.

— Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of shave

Verb

The defense once again gave the offense an opportunity, forcing an Argyle punt, and this time, Heritage capitalized with a 2-yard rushing TD from Vargas to cut the lead to 7 points.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Later that month, Achilles, a university lecturer, cut a campaign ad in the spirit of a tongue-in-cheek corporate training video on how to avoid starting a foreign war.

— Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of cut

Verb

The outlet says that OpenAI wants to capitalize on revenue growth from its GPT-6 Astra model and higher usage that’s come from its decision to trim prices on its cheaper models.

— John Kell, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
When Cleveland trimmed the lead to 3-1 in the sixth inning, Tampa answered with a two-run homer by Junior Caminero in the seventh.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of trim

Verb

One skeleton is mowing right over another, while others tend to buckets of slime, climb on the larger figures and play around the yard.

— Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Instead, lawn-mowing machines shred them, leaving plastic fragments in the soil for a very long time.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 16 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of prune

verb

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