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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of skim
Over the course of just a few days, markets around the world had skimmed along just above bear territory, making many people wonder what was going on with the man who based his claims to success in his first term in large part on the success of the stock market.
—
Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
All this is to say that the longest in the world may have actually taken place in the woods, where more skiers than ever are now skimming the backcountry meltwater all spring long—just like the Slush Cup pioneers, Cyril Paris and Cliff White.
—Anna Fiorentino, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
The Carters likewise only skims the surface of Aaron and Nick’s dynamic, as well as Nick’s relationship with the rest of his siblings.
—Rachel Brodsky, Time, 15 Apr. 2025
Concise, impactful content with modern design Attention spans are shorter than ever, and recruiters often skim CVs rather than reading them in detail.
—Andrew Fennell, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skim
Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
All this is to say that the longest in the world may have actually taken place in the woods, where more skiers than ever are now skimming the backcountry meltwater all spring long—just like the Slush Cup pioneers, Cyril Paris and Cliff White.
—Anna Fiorentino, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
The Carters likewise only skims the surface of Aaron and Nick’s dynamic, as well as Nick’s relationship with the rest of his siblings.
—Rachel Brodsky, Time, 15 Apr. 2025
Concise, impactful content with modern design Attention spans are shorter than ever, and recruiters often skim CVs rather than reading them in detail.
—Andrew Fennell, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skim
Verb
-
Judge joined this exclusive club when the calendar flipped on Thursday.—
Dan Freedman,
Forbes.com,
3 May 2025
-
Its innovative dial was made to flip over so the metal back case would face the sun while on the wrist during a match, so the dial wouldn’t get damaged.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
3 May 2025
Verb
-
It could be said that mainstream media flows best with a good publisher, so maybe Journalism and Publisher will run in tandem for a bettor’s exacta.—
Jason Jones,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
-
As Venus harmonizes with Mars on May 11, expect passion and creativity to flow freely in your personal life and relationships, while the sun’s debut in Gemini lights up your ninth house of adventure and self-discovery.—
Staff Author,
People.com,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
Avoid brushing or flossing the surgical sites, and only drink liquids or eat very soft foods.11 Clean the affected area using antibacterial mouthwash.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
3 May 2025
-
The basic setup is predictably nonsensical — the last time those two saw each other, Emily was trying to kill Stephanie — but the film manages to brush past any objections with surprising ease.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
2 May 2025
Verb
-
Or bounce over to family-friendly Dos Rios Park, where there’s a playground with a climbable humpback chub, a splash pad, and a bike park with tracks for riders of all ages and abilities.—
Ashlea Halpern,
AFAR Media,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Even though the team continued its ‘win now’ approach, the Penguins were bounced in the second round of the 2018 playoffs, then lost in the first round for the next four years before missing the playoffs entirely in each of the last three seasons.—
Carol Schram,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Or costumed as one, in a light grey suit and white shirt with ruffles peeking out from his jacket’s sleeves and dark grey velvet lapels; in the several gold rings that so famously adorned those jazz hands of his.—
Julian Randall,
Essence,
29 Apr. 2025
-
In addition to her sheer top — which allowed her black bra to peek through — Shields added a blazer for coverage on her arms and back.—
Starr Bowenbank,
People.com,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The moon glides through Leo today, inspiring a bold entrepreneurial move.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
-
Fresh off a victory that propelled the New York Knicks to the second round of the playoffs, Bridges glided to his locker, Eurostepping a ghost and pretending to take off from his right leg.—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Verb
-
After the buzzer sounded, Pope ran over to hug his wife, Lee Anne, and kissed his daughters near the bench before running off to a TV interview.—
Jesse Temple,
The Athletic,
24 Mar. 2025
-
In the video, baby Sofia can be seen giggling in her bouncer as Ree sings, plays and tickles her, as well as kissing the happy infant, who looks cute in a floral sleeper.—
Becca Longmire,
People.com,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Richards has been a part of RHOBH since the show's inception and has never skipped a season.—
Stephanie Wenger,
People.com,
1 May 2025
-
Kids put one foot inside the ring, swing it around, and skip over the ball.—
Katrina Cossey,
Parents,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Skim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skim. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share