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
By pruning unnecessary tasks and focusing on meaningful work, leaders can make space for larger, bolder ideas to emerge.
—
Sherzod Odilov, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Hydrangea species vary in their winter hardiness as well as pruning needs.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2024
Jobs include seed collection, sowing seed flats, transplanting seedlings, pruning, processing cuttings, composting, pot washing, weeding and maintaining the nursery space.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024
Most likely your palms are exhibiting symptoms of a boron deficiency and not the effects of pruning.
—Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Nov. 2024
When pruning time does arrive, feel free to cut the plants back to within 6 to 8 inches of the ground to give them a fresh start.
—Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Nov. 2024
Use this seasonal calendar as a general guide to pruning practices for all types of roses.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Nov. 2024
Stop pruning and deadheading your roses in the beginning of September to allow the rose time to prepare for winter.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Nov. 2024
There is no cure for bacterial gall, however, pruning can limit spread.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2024
Sherzod Odilov, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Hydrangea species vary in their winter hardiness as well as pruning needs.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2024
Jobs include seed collection, sowing seed flats, transplanting seedlings, pruning, processing cuttings, composting, pot washing, weeding and maintaining the nursery space.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024
Most likely your palms are exhibiting symptoms of a boron deficiency and not the effects of pruning.
—Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Nov. 2024
When pruning time does arrive, feel free to cut the plants back to within 6 to 8 inches of the ground to give them a fresh start.
—Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Nov. 2024
Use this seasonal calendar as a general guide to pruning practices for all types of roses.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Nov. 2024
Stop pruning and deadheading your roses in the beginning of September to allow the rose time to prepare for winter.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Nov. 2024
There is no cure for bacterial gall, however, pruning can limit spread.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near pruning
Cite this Entry
“Pruning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pruning. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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