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
Another reminder to update passwords, skim a privacy policy and move on.
—
Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
When the sun is just skimming across the horizon and ducking behind other peaks, all the heat that the sun baked into the snow and rocks during the day evaporates—fast.
—Outside, 23 Jan. 2026
Get the pancakes after skimming up the mountain.
—Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 19 Jan. 2026
People can steal from these cards, as well as debit or credit cards, using a skimming device.
—Sofi Zeman
january 14, Kansas City Star, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for skim
Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
When the sun is just skimming across the horizon and ducking behind other peaks, all the heat that the sun baked into the snow and rocks during the day evaporates—fast.
—Outside, 23 Jan. 2026
Get the pancakes after skimming up the mountain.
—Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 19 Jan. 2026
People can steal from these cards, as well as debit or credit cards, using a skimming device.
—Sofi Zeman
january 14, Kansas City Star, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for skim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skim
Verb
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In the finale, allegiances have flipped.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
1 Feb. 2026
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Democratic candidate Taylor Rehmet won the special election for a seat in the Texas state Senate on Saturday, flipping a district reliably held by a Republican for over a decade.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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That flow to a degree has come at a cost to second-year Kel’el Ware, who has seen only limited minutes in his two games back after missing four with a hamstring strain.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
30 Jan. 2026
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The Namtso Blue collection, named after Tibet’s sacred Namtso Lake, included a range of lightweight and breathable jackets in a gradient color palette and a flowing knot emblem inspired by Tibetan nomadic culture.—
Lydia Price,
Travel + Leisure,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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From brushing ice in curling to flying down an ice track headfirst in skeleton, the Winter Olympics are home to some unique and exciting sports that feature uncommon vernacular.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
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After the wings have cooked for 30 minutes, brush them with the honey garlic sauce and return to oven.—
Robin Miller,
AZCentral.com,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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That crackling atmosphere was clear to see when The Athletic attended Friday night’s match against struggling Le Havre, with the city taken over by a sea of red and gold before the game and Lens’ supporters then bouncing up and down in the stands for the entire contest.—
Tom Burrows,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
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Some of the high-multiple names hit hardest in recent sessions, including Club name Microsoft , were trying to bounce Wednesday.—
Paulina Likos,
CNBC,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Surgery scar peeking from behind a black blazer, their gaze is both soft and firm.—
Christine Terrisse,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Jan. 2026
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The actress, 27, was recently photographed heading to Los Angeles’ Canter’s Deli sporting denim trousers, a sleek brown coat and an oversize bag with a bottle of Hellmann’s mayonnaise peeking out.—
Erin Clements,
PEOPLE,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In preparation for her masquerade ball, Lady Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) glides through Bridgerton House, overseeing her staff and eagerly awaiting the return of her daughters, Francesca (Hannah Dodd) and Eloise (Claudia Jesse), from Scotland.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
29 Jan. 2026
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Explore the Museum of Underwater Art, Australia Snorkelers and scuba divers glide by dozens of underwater art installations at this museum filled with sunken treasures.—
Catherine Garcia,
TheWeek,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The clip captured Bugay kissing Martinez and accepting the proposal while standing on the bridge.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
26 Jan. 2026
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Stunned, Naim pulls away before grabbing Ryan’s head to kiss him back.—
Natalia Winkelman,
IndieWire,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Best Alternatives for Plastic Wrap In the Microwave Some cooks and chefs prefer to skip microwaving plastic wrap entirely to prevent chemical exposure.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
3 Feb. 2026
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Trump, true to form, knocked Biden for skipping the Super Bowl Sunday platform.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Skim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skim. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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