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
From around the curve of the tree came the first pygmy marmoset, skimming along the surface, limbs and tail splayed against the trunk.
—
Jessica Camille Aguirre, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Jan. 2025
Taller family members may feel uncomfortable sitting (read: crouching) on a sofa with a lower height, while petite loungers may not feel their best with their feet skimming the floor while sitting on a couch with extra-deep cushions.
—Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Jan. 2025
California has seen an increase in card skimming over the past few years, with fraudulent activity popping up across the state.
—Fernanda Galan, Sacramento Bee, 13 Jan. 2025
The best way to avoid falling victim to a skimming operation is to check any point-of-sale terminal before inserting your credit or debit card.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for skim 
Jessica Camille Aguirre, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Jan. 2025
Taller family members may feel uncomfortable sitting (read: crouching) on a sofa with a lower height, while petite loungers may not feel their best with their feet skimming the floor while sitting on a couch with extra-deep cushions.
—Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Jan. 2025
California has seen an increase in card skimming over the past few years, with fraudulent activity popping up across the state.
—Fernanda Galan, Sacramento Bee, 13 Jan. 2025
The best way to avoid falling victim to a skimming operation is to check any point-of-sale terminal before inserting your credit or debit card.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for skim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skim
Verb
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Inside, the aesthetic is flipped: Black walls, dark wood floors and a black marble bar set the tone, while a projection screen in the main lounge area shows photos of Nigerian superstar and recent EMPIRE signee Tiwa Savage, who is in town finishing her new album.—
Dan Rys,
Billboard,
11 Feb. 2025
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West flipped the website after the advertisement aired and replaced its previous content with just one item: The swastika T-shirt that was on sale for $20 each.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Corporate news While investors wait for broad economic signs, company news continued to flow.—
Medora Lee,
USA TODAY,
19 Feb. 2025
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Videos and photos of the bright orange lava flowing down the mountainside went viral after a group of hikers posted them on social media.—
Billy Stockwell,
CNN,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Just brush the building rubble decorative walkway stones aside to enter.—
Pat Beall,
Orlando Sentinel,
9 Feb. 2025
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The most coordinated thing anyone does in the movie might be to gracefully and rhythmically brush the dirt off their feet before going to bed.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The Chess studio walls had to be built at odd angles — otherwise her voice would bounce from one to another, ceaselessly spinning a sound meter’s needle.—
Ron Grossman,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2025
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The courts rule The case has been bouncing through the court system for several years and recently landed at the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, one stop below the Supreme Court.—
Nate Anderson,
Ars Technica,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Related Articles King paired the gown with pointed pastel blue heels that peeked out from beneath the floor-length skirt.—
Ty Gaskins,
WWD,
7 Feb. 2025
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Its most famous interior feature is a double-helix spiral staircase that twists up three floors, but the grand castle also boasts 426 rooms (guests can peek into 60 of them), 83 staircases, and 282 fireplaces.—
Kimberley Lovato,
AFAR Media,
4 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The Frenchman glided forward as players from both teams frantically rearranged themselves around him, then slowed up well short of the Brighton penalty area.—
Liam Twomey,
The Athletic,
9 Feb. 2025
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Shades: 18 Finish: Soft matte Type: Cream Key ingredients: Vitamin E Staying power: 8 hours Ease of application: According to Revlon, apply to the center of your lips and glide outward, using the flat base of the lipstick.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
4 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Busch and his team would love to pose for more pictures kissing the bricks at IMS following Sunday’s race.—
Clifton Brown,
Indianapolis Star,
17 July 2017
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The trainer turns and kisses one of the man-eaters on the nose.—
Holly Millea,
Smithsonian,
29 June 2017
Verb
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The Trail Blazers were going to trade Ayton at the trade deadline, opening up the yellow brick road for Clingan to skip his way to fantasy wizardry merrily, yeah?—
Stan Son,
The Athletic,
17 Feb. 2025
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With a forecast of single-digit temperatures and wind chills into the negatives, along with three to five inches of snow (or more), some speculated whether Messi would even try to suit up for Miami or skip the match entirely.—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
17 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near skim
Cite this Entry
“Skim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skim. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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