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
The moon will appear to advance on the Pleiades throughout the night, skimming through its rightmost stars before setting below the northwestern horizon around an hour after midnight for stargazers in New York.
—
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 23 Feb. 2026
The last time Berry had cheek-skimming strands was in 2023.
—Christina Perrier, InStyle, 23 Feb. 2026
Even just skimming the surface, there’s a whole lot to remember.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026
Just skim it off from the top right after baking.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for skim
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 23 Feb. 2026
The last time Berry had cheek-skimming strands was in 2023.
—Christina Perrier, InStyle, 23 Feb. 2026
Even just skimming the surface, there’s a whole lot to remember.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026
Just skim it off from the top right after baking.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for skim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skim
Verb
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Adames then flipped the ball a couple feet to third baseman Matt Chapman, as Shaw took off his batting gloves and helmet and casually walked off the bag.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Feb. 2026
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then release the springform sides and flip over the cake onto a serving platter.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Gables Estates has increasingly drawn attention as wealth continues flowing into South Florida.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
20 Feb. 2026
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The perception problem While filler words can help conversations flow, research suggests overusing them may signal uncertainty or a shaky command of the material (or language in general).—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Use a push broom to brush the grass back and forth to work the leveling mix down to the roots of the grass.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
26 Feb. 2026
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In a possible signal that the software selloff has overextended itself, Workday brushed off a 9% decline in the premarket and was more than 2% higher in afternoon trading.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The Stars were bounced by Roseville in the section quarterfinals last February.—
Pioneer Press,
Twin Cities,
26 Feb. 2026
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Weems also transferred this season from nearby Frisco Lone Star, adding an instant punch at nearly 15 points per game and the ability to bounce out of the gym.—
Ishmael Johnson,
Dallas Morning News,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As the snowcrete melts and the cherry blossoms start to peek out from Tidal Basin branches, dare to allow yourself a moment of communal levity.—
Sophia Solano,
Washington Post,
19 Feb. 2026
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Recommendations Strolling through the Historic Landmark District — crossing through squares and peeking in the windows of shops and beautiful old homes — offers a sense of what makes Savannah so distinct.—
Adam Kuehl,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Dozens of ghostly, see-through bodies gliding through dark underground water, armed with teeth and claws, completely hidden from the world above.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Feb. 2026
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But Hartman set the tone with a gliding layup just three seconds into the game.—
Bobby Narang,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Fic from previous fandoms — specifically for the Lord of the Rings books — often focused on a writer-insert character joining the fun and kissing all the boys.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
23 Feb. 2026
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While Bennet’s decision — should he be elected governor — to select his replacement falls within the legal authority of the governor’s office, the perception of a conflict (in which those considered or, ultimately, appointed must kiss the proverbial ring) is simply too great.—
Kent Thiry,
Denver Post,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The View From democrats Some Democrats skipped the speech altogether and attended off-site programming after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told his caucus to protest silently or to take their protests outside.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
25 Feb. 2026
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Some airlines have paused flights to certain destinations and cruise lines have begun skipping ports, creating uncertainty just weeks before peak travel season.—
Dante Motley,
Austin American Statesman,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Skim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skim. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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