1
as in flipping
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
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2
as in flowing
to move or proceed smoothly and readily
a lone hang glider skimming along just above the treetops
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3
as in brushing
to pass lightly across or touch gently especially in passing
her hand just barely skimmed the wall as she ran down the hallway
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4
as in bouncing
to strike and fly off at an angle
the rock just skimmed the surface of the water
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5
as in glancing
to take a quick or hasty look
he impatiently skimmed through the book, looking for the specific passage he remembered seeing
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Recent Examples of skimming
That makes the cards, known as the Direction Card of Ohio EBT, more susceptible to skimming technology that steals Ohioans' food benefits.
—
Jessie Balmert, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Dec. 2025
Alba sent a low cross skimming through the six-yard box, right into the path of winger Tadeo Allende.
—Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
An ideal scenario for the remainder of the year would have the recent choppiness last a bit longer to qualify as a proper scare, skimming the froth off the speculative stuff and resetting expectations in a way that rebuilds investors' capacity to be surprised to the upside.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2025
Cook, partially covered, until the squash is tender, 15 to 20 minutes, skimming the surface of the stock, if necessary.
—Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skimming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skimming
Verb
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Tire tracks can still be seen leading to a guardrail, which the truck struck before flipping and slamming into the Chestnut Ridge apartment building.—
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In fact, Williams committed to Kiffin (at Mississippi) before flipping his pledge to then-Arizona coach Jedd Fisch in the summer of 2023.—
Verb
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The pennies could start flowing again, perhaps easing a shortage in some markets, after the Federal Reserve announced an upcoming shift in the distribution system of old 1-cent coins.—
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Now more diners are flowing through, gazing at the handwritten menu on the wall affixed with neat strips of orange tape, or calling ahead.—
Verb
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Rinse the sink well after brushing your teeth and use a disposable disinfecting wipe to wipe out the sink and clean the faucet hardware quickly.—
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Unlike the other two new breeds, Bolonki's coats require brushing several times a week to prevent matting.—
Verb
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After corralling a pass from Amelia Greisner in the 52nd minute, Lasch spun around and fired a bouncing shot.—
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And one country came out on top as the best spot in the world for bouncing from beach to beach.—
Verb
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Then the owner would talk to the dog, and mention the toy's name, while glancing down at the bucket.—
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In response, the actor nodded along, while glancing over to his seatmate DiCaprio.—
Verb
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When the King visited Greenland in April—looking jaunty and at ease while cruising on a fjord with the Prime Minister, and taking a coffee-and-cake break with locals at a cultural center in Nuuk—the contrast with Vance’s gloomy trip couldn’t have been starker.—
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Calling on Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, Wrangell, Rudyerd Bay (Misty Fjords), and, finally, Prince Rupert in British Columbia, the itinerary also includes scenic cruising through Stephens Passage, Decision Passage, Stikine Strait, and the Behm Canal.—
Verb
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Jana, who is the oldest Duggar daughter, and Wissmann could be seen kissing in one photo and showing off Jana's growing bump in another.—
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Avoiding close contact, such as kissing or sharing drinks, with anyone who has respiratory symptoms also can limit spread.—
Verb
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And is that really such an offense, on par with skipping a wedding?—
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This myth costs money because skipping the test means guessing.—
Cite this Entry
“Skimming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skimming. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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