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
Today, the next big thing is building constellations of thousands of small satellites that skim the atmosphere.
—
David Szondy
may 31, New Atlas, 31 May 2026
At the French Open Tuesday, the four-time Grand Slam champion staged an outfit reveal once again, striding out for her first-round match against Germany’s Laura Siegemund wearing a black corset and matching pleated, cascading skirt that skimmed over the clay.
—Ava Wallace, New York Times, 28 May 2026
Instead of skimming a phrasebook in a hotel lobby, students split their days between classroom instruction and real-world practice in markets, kitchens and cafés, often staying with host families who become part of the experience.
—Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2026
Osaka walked out at Court Suzanne-Lenglen wearing a black corset and matching pleated cascading skirt that skimmed over the red clay.
—Emile Nuh, CNN Money, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for skim
David Szondy
may 31, New Atlas, 31 May 2026
At the French Open Tuesday, the four-time Grand Slam champion staged an outfit reveal once again, striding out for her first-round match against Germany’s Laura Siegemund wearing a black corset and matching pleated, cascading skirt that skimmed over the clay.
—Ava Wallace, New York Times, 28 May 2026
Instead of skimming a phrasebook in a hotel lobby, students split their days between classroom instruction and real-world practice in markets, kitchens and cafés, often staying with host families who become part of the experience.
—Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2026
Osaka walked out at Court Suzanne-Lenglen wearing a black corset and matching pleated cascading skirt that skimmed over the red clay.
—Emile Nuh, CNN Money, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for skim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skim
Verb
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The Four Seasons bed is a dreamy oasis with a pillowtop mattress that can be flipped upon request to change between firm and soft.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
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The burgers are still made with beef ground fresh daily, and the narrow diner stays busy with customers lined up at the counter while cooks flip patties on the flat-top a few feet away.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Midwest Living,
31 May 2026
Verb
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California air regulators approved a sweeping update of the state’s cap-and-invest program, tightening the pollution cap while reshaping how billions in climate dollars flow through communities and industry.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
As those creative juices start flowing, the superstar comedian realizes her illness might be fertile ground for a new special.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
While some political observers are brushing off speculation that a deluge of ballots could allow Steyer to crawl into the top two, conservative activists are keeping a close watch.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
5 June 2026
-
But officials and executives brushed off regional tensions and security implications, insisting that the ferry is just for tourism.—
Wayne Chang,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
Verb
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Finally, with two out in the fourth inning, Gabriel Moreno bounced a double up the right-field line for the Diamondbacks’ first hit of the game.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
-
During extra time English striker Geoff Hurst unleashed a shot that hit the underside of the crossbar, bounced onto (or just behind, depending on your perspective) the goal line, and was cleared.—
Gitanjali Roy,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
3 June 2026
Verb
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Bass peeked around the back doors of a supporter’s Venice home Sunday afternoon to cheers from several dozen supporters at an intimate event.—
Sandra McDonald,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
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My trusty spreadsheet peeked at building permits filed in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties and found that developers in the 12 months ending in March had plans approved for the most housing since August 2007.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
29 May 2026
Verb
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As the train climbs higher, sweeping mountain and valley views unfold on both sides, and in the colder months, skiers and snowboarders can be seen gliding down the slopes below.—
Lauren David,
Travel + Leisure,
29 May 2026
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Those moisturizing ingredients help create a silky-smooth base upon which your razor can simply glide, even without the traditional soapy lather.—
Eden Stuart,
Allure,
29 May 2026
Verb
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Characters rush out to sea, assume new identities, push their enemies off cliffs, kiss in alleyways, pull treasure out of the earth.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
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The final image included in the carousel was one of Eugenie kissing Ernest in what looks like a picture taken in the fall.—
Rachel Burchfield,
InStyle,
31 May 2026
Verb
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In the warmer months, don’t skip a ride on The Morgan, Sagamore’s cruising vessel that glides around Lake George.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
-
The scene was genuinely awful to watch, but the movie—a story of plague, passion, period costumes, and an unwashed man in a tunic skipping town to cure writer’s block—ended up thrilling us; the portrayal of two creative minds working together (and apart) was, oddly, familiar.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Skim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skim. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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