1
as in flips
to turn over pages in an idle or cursory manner
I'll just skim through a few styling magazines and see if something interesting catches my eye
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in flows
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 brushes
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 peeks
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 skims
This cardigan features a slightly cropped cut that skims the waist, a crew neckline, tonal iridescent buttons, and a ribbed trim.
—
Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2026
Not only is the staple fabric always comfortable, but the midi silhouette skims the shins for optimal coverage.
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
Many are nothing more than tiny dots of color that a distracted eye skims right over.
—Alissa Greenberg, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2026
This list merely skims the surface of the buildings worth seeing in Italy’s national capital.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Pond skims a rite of spring Spring skiing can be variable.
—Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 18 Mar. 2026
During many eclipse seasons, the moon merely skims Earth's penumbra and umbra.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 27 Feb. 2026
That startup success story often skims over the franchise’s original struggles to launch, including its years-long quest for a suitable new stadium.
—Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 5 Dec. 2025
For a storm to happen, Earth has to pass through a dense part of the comet’s debris during perihelion, but sometimes our planet only skims the outskirts.
—Gina Park, CNN Money, 16 Nov. 2025
Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2026
Not only is the staple fabric always comfortable, but the midi silhouette skims the shins for optimal coverage.
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
Many are nothing more than tiny dots of color that a distracted eye skims right over.
—Alissa Greenberg, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2026
This list merely skims the surface of the buildings worth seeing in Italy’s national capital.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Pond skims a rite of spring Spring skiing can be variable.
—Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 18 Mar. 2026
During many eclipse seasons, the moon merely skims Earth's penumbra and umbra.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 27 Feb. 2026
That startup success story often skims over the franchise’s original struggles to launch, including its years-long quest for a suitable new stadium.
—Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 5 Dec. 2025
For a storm to happen, Earth has to pass through a dense part of the comet’s debris during perihelion, but sometimes our planet only skims the outskirts.
—Gina Park, CNN Money, 16 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skims
Verb
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What Happens in Your Brain During Ice Bath The instant icy water hits your skin, your brain’s stress system flips on.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
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The plunge essentially flips on the sympathetic nervous system, flooding the body with catecholamines that ramp up attention.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Newcastle is part of Tyneside, an area around the banks of the River Tyne that has been shaped by industry, a context that flows through A Great Day in Newcastle.—
Archie Forde,
Pitchfork,
1 May 2026
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Observing tips The lunar disk is entirely bereft of shadows during the full moon phase, making this the perfect time to trace the outline of lunar maria — where lava flows filled colossal impact basins billions of years ago before hardening to form sweeping basaltic plains.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
1 May 2026
Verb
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Tokyo Stylez, Cardi’s hairstylist, brushes out a sleek brown hairpiece, and Erika la’ pearl, her makeup artist, dabs at Cardi’s face while the rapper scrolls through her phone, controlling the music.—
Jazmine Hughes,
Allure,
24 Mar. 2026
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When some chime in to say their doctors had been cautiously optimistic about treatments, Sarah brushes that aside.—
Gerald Witt,
AJC.com,
1 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The older one bounces his Spalding off the brick walls; the younger one digs his fingers into the box of corn flakes for the plastic prize.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
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Ulloa bounces between a linear, historical telling of the political, economic and racial shifts in the area and the personal accounts of five families from the region, including her own.—
Carlos De Loera,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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At some point, Silva peeks into the bushes and orders Garcia several times to come out with his hands up and to stop touching his bags.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
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Laura's Homemade pasta and happy hour specials stand out at Laura's, a favorite sunset spot with a waterfront dining room that peeks over the waves in Port Elizabeth.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Brazzell is a 6-foot-4, 198-pound target who glides by his opposing corners with ease.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
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As the late '70s disco hit Stayin' Alive fills the Addison dance studio, instructor Maya Apodaca glides across the floor.—
Robbie Owens,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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His son Bret recalled his father’s postgame smiles, hugs and kisses with his wife of 58 years Debbie.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
26 Apr. 2026
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Capaldi points back and the pair begin to walk towards one another before Capaldi grabs Styles' face and kisses him.—
Raven Brunner,
PEOPLE,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Notably, older moviegoers — a group that typically skips opening weekends — showed up in significant numbers.—
SPIN Staff,
SPIN,
27 Apr. 2026
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To save time, but still cook the bottom crust golden brown, this pie skips par-baking, but bakes on a preheated sheet tray.—
Erin Merhar,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Skims.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skims. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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