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
Jenner’s almost molten looking, body-skimming column dress featured liquidy copper sequins all over, cut with a plunging neckline and sculptural halter straps that crisscrossed at the collarbone to frame the décolletage.
—
Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 Jan. 2026
Recruiters typically skim quickly, and a document that reads clearly reduces distractions during those early seconds.
—K. H. Koehler, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025
The 10-minute space-skimming flight required only minor adjustments to accommodate Benthaus, according to the company.
—Marcia Dunn, Fortune, 21 Dec. 2025
Around the same time, Oscar de la Renta sent floor-skimming shirt dresses down the runway, while Stephen Burrows gave sequins a sporty edge in wrap-styles blouses and dresses – perfect for transitioning from work to cocktail parties in the era.
—Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skim
Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 Jan. 2026
Recruiters typically skim quickly, and a document that reads clearly reduces distractions during those early seconds.
—K. H. Koehler, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025
The 10-minute space-skimming flight required only minor adjustments to accommodate Benthaus, according to the company.
—Marcia Dunn, Fortune, 21 Dec. 2025
Around the same time, Oscar de la Renta sent floor-skimming shirt dresses down the runway, while Stephen Burrows gave sequins a sporty edge in wrap-styles blouses and dresses – perfect for transitioning from work to cocktail parties in the era.
—Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skim
Verb
-
The Nuggets responded with consecutive 3s by Murray and Jalen Pickett to flip the tide.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
14 Jan. 2026
-
In December, the Emmy-winning Entertainment Tonight host flipped the script and took on a whole new role in the Lifetime holiday movie A Runaway Bride for Christmas.—
Michelle Lee,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The tasteful updates that complement the open, flowing floor plan with tis ample natural light.—
Helen I. Bennett,
Hartford Courant,
11 Jan. 2026
-
The common spaces flow into the pad’s three ensuite bedrooms.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Old and Unused Hairbrushes Got an old hairbrush that's either accumulating dust from not being utilized or one that has been brushed through your hair about a million times?—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Simply open one and start brushing—no toothpaste or water required.—
Carin Ryan,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Standard lasers create powerful beams by bouncing light between microscopic mirrors to stimulate more light production; this new tool uses the same principle to amplify vibrations.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Jan. 2026
-
But as the ball bounced on the turf, Tritons forward Payton Fitch pressured and kicked it loose for Schotemeyer to score early in the showdown.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The area was badly burned, but still Simpson noticed green sprouts peeking out of the ashy soil and from the branches of trees that the average passerby might assume were dead.—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The barrage of sounds and effects is so overstimulating that trying to suss out whatever occasional folk signifiers peek through (a gamelan here, a pan-flute there) can leave you with egg on your face.—
H.D. Angel,
Pitchfork,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Snow rests lightly on branches and the occasional rain glides off dormant stems.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Afternoons here are deliciously drowsy, spent dozing in the shade, gently parting calm sea water, or gliding past craggy rock formations in a little motor-boat.—
Rosalyn Wikeley,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
These are distinctly American, Texan to be specific, where they’re called shrimp kisses.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
-
In the photo dump Perry shared to Instagram on January 7, the singer posted a photo of herself kissing Trudeau, whom she has been linked to since last summer.—
Rachel Burchfield,
InStyle,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
According to Pinterest Predicts, more and more people are skipping one-and-done scents in favor of a unique layering experience known as scent stacking.—
Reece Andavolgyi,
InStyle,
10 Jan. 2026
-
But for people who skip the barber, hate appointments or just want a quick cleanup at home, the idea makes sense.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Skim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skim. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
