skim

1
as in to flip
to turn over pages in an idle or cursory manner I'll just skim through a few styling magazines and see if something interesting catches my eye

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4
as in to bounce
to strike and fly off at an angle the rock just skimmed the surface of the water

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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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 On a June morning in 2023, David and his wife had just finished a hike and were snacking on crispbreads and cheese at a picnic table in a park near their apartment when David skimmed his cellphone. Serge F. Kovaleski, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 Even better, Rove doesn’t mark up or skim the margins. Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 The cotton doesn’t have any stretch, but that doesn’t really matter because of the A-line silhouette that flows away from my body, just barely skimming my hips before belling out around my mid-calf. Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025 Only skimming the surface Scurfield, who attends Sunshine Village’s Slush Cup every year, has only competed once, skimming and sinking in the 110-foot-long pond in a 1980s ski bunny getup. Anna Fiorentino, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for skim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skim
Verb
  • Oliveros promptly changed her major to communication technology and flipped headfirst into the social media scene.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • United Launch Alliance’s years-long delays with its new Vulcan rocket have flipped the script for national security missions, making SpaceX the new reliable provider.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • The real threat to the fiscal well-being of the median American comes from the price of energy, from which all other prices flow.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
  • Salivary Blockages Blockages or obstructions to the salivary glands may also cause mouth dryness because saliva doesn't flow as easily to the mouth.10 7.
    Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • This often includes disinfecting boots and brushing off any soil or plant material.
    Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2025
  • Our lives are assembled from hundreds of small rituals: brushing our teeth, brewing our morning coffee, or arranging our pillows just so before going to be.
    Tom Mylan, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Teammates tried to stop them from fighting, but both players bounced emotionally away from the peacekeepers and tried to charge each other.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025
  • Durham says that to his knowledge, every check but one bounced.
    Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • The sun peeked out, but brisk winds were blowing and temperatures only climbed to the high 40s near the lakefront.
    Susan DeGrane, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
  • Leaded-glass panes peek through arched openings, winking at the past.
    Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • The lightweight, invisible formula easily glides over the skin, hydrating any skin type.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2025
  • The formula glides on sheer and leaves skin looking luminous, not greasy, thanks to its vitamin C and E infusion, which also helps nourish and condition.
    Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Other sweet shots include Harley kissing her fiancé in his arms, and two celebratory engagement cakes.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 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
  • And while hot tubs and saunas seem like innocent relaxation, those with uncontrolled heart conditions should skip the heat.
    Novant Health, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2025
  • Raised heart rate Low potassium levels, leading to symptoms like muscle weakness, cramping, and a pounding or skipping heartbeat6 Dehydration, including symptoms like dark urine, headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness7 What Causes Toxic Megacolon?
    Janelle McSwiggin, Health, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Skim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skim. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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