as in shaving
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 pruning
This easy task is known as thumb pruning and facilitates keeping the bush open to air and sun.
—
Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2025
Anvil pruners shine when pruning thicker dead wood.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2025
Work pruning and removing trees began in the fall and is expected to be finished in early Spring 2025, officials said.
—Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2025
During sleep, scientists suspect that our bodies and brains are replenishing energy stores, flushing waste and toxins, pruning synapses and consolidating memories.
—Marla Broadfoot, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Dec. 2024
Just as pruning stimulates new plant growth, releasing what no longer serves us creates space for fresh opportunities.
—Jennifer Kamara, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Remove dead or diseased canes while pruning.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2024
Likewise, pruning provides an abundance of cuttings to propagate.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2024
If needed, plants can be shaped through light pruning in early spring.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2024
Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2025
Anvil pruners shine when pruning thicker dead wood.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2025
Work pruning and removing trees began in the fall and is expected to be finished in early Spring 2025, officials said.
—Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2025
During sleep, scientists suspect that our bodies and brains are replenishing energy stores, flushing waste and toxins, pruning synapses and consolidating memories.
—Marla Broadfoot, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Dec. 2024
Just as pruning stimulates new plant growth, releasing what no longer serves us creates space for fresh opportunities.
—Jennifer Kamara, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Remove dead or diseased canes while pruning.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2024
Likewise, pruning provides an abundance of cuttings to propagate.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2024
If needed, plants can be shaped through light pruning in early spring.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near pruning
Cite this Entry
“Pruning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pruning. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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