pruning

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A number of studies in teens have suggested a pattern of grey matter thinning through adolescence with a "refining or pruning" of nerve networks as brains mature.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

Instead the final four candidates for the job were a range of eager submissives, each straining to appear enthusiastic to pick up the pruning shears and start cutting rates by the bunch:

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026

Companies are pruning underperforming legacy brands and doubling down on faster-growing categories.

From Barron's • Dec. 28, 2025

Earlier studies have found that it can reduce inflammation in brain cells and affect synaptic pruning -- a normal developmental process in which the brain trims and strengthens neural connections.

From Science Daily • Nov. 6, 2025

I always feel especially elegant after a good pruning.

From "Wishtree" by Katherine Applegate