1
2
as in to flow
to move or proceed smoothly and readily
a lone hang glider skimming along just above the treetops
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to brush
to pass lightly across or touch gently especially in passing
her hand just barely skimmed the wall as she ran down the hallway
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
5
as in to peek
to take a quick or hasty look
he impatiently skimmed through the book, looking for the specific passage he remembered seeing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of skim
Minneapolis has two harvesting machines that can skim lakes to remove algae.
—
Jeff Wagner,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
Workers were seen skimming the surface of the pool in the end nearest the World War II Memorial.
—
Drew Pittock,
USA Today,
21 June 2026
Instead of rising in the east and setting in the west, the sun appears to skim around the horizon in a shallow circle, dipping low but never disappearing.
—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
According to police, skimming devices are often placed on top of the card reader and can make the reader look normal but bulky.
—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for skim
Jeff Wagner,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
Workers were seen skimming the surface of the pool in the end nearest the World War II Memorial.
—
Drew Pittock,
USA Today,
21 June 2026
Instead of rising in the east and setting in the west, the sun appears to skim around the horizon in a shallow circle, dipping low but never disappearing.
—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
According to police, skimming devices are often placed on top of the card reader and can make the reader look normal but bulky.
—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for skim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skim
Verb
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One strong gust of wind can be enough to flip one of these trailers onto its side.
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For best results, toast bagels cut-side down first, then flip them, or use a toothpick to secure toppings.
Verb
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Although maritime traffic has been able to flow through the channel, the future of the Strait of Hormuz remains in flux.
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Shares are up 43% in the year to date as more money has flowed into regional gaming.
Verb
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Logan cannot brush his teeth or use the bathroom on his own.
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Gentler hair care practices Caring for your postpartum hair can be as simple as brushing it mindfully.
Verb
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The 19-year-old dressed in a light gray suit with a pastel orange neck tie anxiously bounced his legs after Silver announced to the crowd that the Washington Wizards had five minutes to make the first selection.
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The pastel hallways outside of the locker areas bounce light off one another, all streaming in from the large surrounding windows.
Verb
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As the episode ends, the gray skies are burning off and the sun is peeking out on a world that Rhaenyra will struggle to bear.
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The show pays tribute to all the eras the pond jumpers have visited by showing fan-favorite characters peeking out from the woods to watch the nuptials as well.
Verb
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Between capitals, the ship glides through Austria’s wine country, with family winery visits and Melk Abbey structuring the scenic stretches.
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The particles glided past each other effortlessly.
Verb
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After kissing and dancing on Caleb McDaniel, Bryce Dettloff and Zach Georgiou, her level of effort seemingly dropped off for the rest of the male cast.
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Eventually, Ferrel Onder went through with the shoot, with the male model kissing her on the neck instead of on the mouth in the final product.
Verb
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Although Kel’s parents skip the opening night of his play, still in disapproval of his acting career, three of his students attend, leaving him touched.
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Open a window, replace the HVAC filter and skip the haul of seasonal sprays.
Cite this Entry
“Skim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skim. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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