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
The seventh full moon of 2025 was one of the lowest-hanging of the year, skimming the southern horizon and setting in the southwest close to sunrise.
—
Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
There’s something wonderfully timeless about pushing off from shore in a canoe as the paddles dip quietly through calm water as dragonflies skim by.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
Unfortunately, many readers may be tempted to skim past it in their rush to the final chapters.
—Arkansas Online, 28 June 2025
After each use, skim out leaves, bugs, and dirt with a small pool net or cup.
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for skim
Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
There’s something wonderfully timeless about pushing off from shore in a canoe as the paddles dip quietly through calm water as dragonflies skim by.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
Unfortunately, many readers may be tempted to skim past it in their rush to the final chapters.
—Arkansas Online, 28 June 2025
After each use, skim out leaves, bugs, and dirt with a small pool net or cup.
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for skim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skim
Verb
-
This meal actually earned high marks for flavor and texture, but there was one big problem: The heating instructions for this meal ask you to flip the steak halfway through the cooking process.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
15 July 2025
-
To flip the script, more young people must be able to identify and access the skills to participate in a digital and green economy.—
Cynthia Tully,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
Guitarist Tom Bukovac composed a flowing instrumental riff to open the performance, creating a little extra sweetness that helps hide the passive-aggressive venom.—
Tom Roland,
Billboard,
24 July 2025
-
The mountain slopes tend to erode when saturated, especially after wildfires, resulting in potentially deadly debris flows.—
Andrew Freedman,
CNN Money,
24 July 2025
Verb
-
Jim Cramer on Monday brushed off Morgan Stanley’s downgrade of CrowdStrike , viewing the cybersecurity giant’s recent dip as a potential buying opportunity.—
Paulina Likos,
CNBC,
14 July 2025
-
Her extensions brushed her torso, falling just above her belly button.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
Early in Wednesday’s practice, Lloyd bounced outside and ripped off a big run.—
Rob Reischel,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
-
This is also an excellent time to bounce your ideas for the future off someone to get their feedback.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
19 July 2025
Verb
-
When the moon sits in the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, the sun’s rays peek out from behind the moon and give it a reddish hue, according to London’s Natural History Museum.—
Gina Park,
CNN Money,
9 July 2025
-
But the tree was perfectly elegant, its green boughs peeking above the low-slung roof covered in traditional gray clay tiles.—
Thessaly La Force,
Travel + Leisure,
4 July 2025
Verb
-
Employees glide swiftly through the open kitchen, sprinkling tacos with In-A-Tub’s signature orange cheese dust.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
18 July 2025
-
Even when it's packed full, the wheels glide like a dream over multiple surfaces with no wayward drifting (usually a point of failure for softsides that may lean with weight).—
Jamie Hergenrader,
Travel + Leisure,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
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
-
After the buzzer sounded, Pope ran over to hug his wife, Lee Anne, and kissed his daughters near the bench before running off to a TV interview.—
Jesse Temple,
The Athletic,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
So, my advice is to skip generic educational content.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
-
Avoid skipping trims: Cut your hair to retain your growth.—
Essence,
Essence,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Skim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skim. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share