Synonyms for

Trim

Verb / trɪm / Another word for trim — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To make something neat and orderly by cutting away the unwanted parts.

Synonyms & similar words

wellkept trimdown crop dress garnish reduce cutback clip cut snip trimback tailored shipshape trig trimming spare cutdown bringdown cleancut clipping trimness prune pare shave lop prune clip cut crop shave shear pare neaten tidy groom mow lawn snip shorten reduce curtail truncate chop slice

Synonyms by register

Formal

prune pare reduce curtail

Informal

cut back lop off shave nick

Literary

abate attenuate lissom

Antonyms

grow lengthen expand increase add enlarge

Common collocations

  • trim the hedges
  • trim the sails
  • trim the beard
  • trim the fat
  • trim the budget
  • trim the nails
  • trim the tree

Word family

noun trim
verb trim
adjective trim

Usage note

As a verb, 'trim' often implies a neatening or reducing to a desired size or shape. As an adjective, it suggests neatness and tidiness.

Example sentences

  1. I need to trim my hair.
  2. Can you trim the stems of the flowers?
  3. The chef will trim the fat from the meat.
  4. My mom will trim the edges of the cake.
  5. We need to trim the tree branches before winter comes.

Quotes

  • Let's trim our Christmas tree with lights that shine so bright.
  • Every morning I wake up and thank God I'm not a trim carpenter.
  • Trim thy lamp and keep it bright, for the Bridegroom cometh soon.

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