skim
11 synonyms and 1 antonym for skim, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To read something quickly, picking up only the main points.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use skim
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
skim milk
skim through
skim the surface
card skimming
Etymology
From Middle English forms related to Old French "escumer," meaning "to remove scum," from a Germanic root for "foam."
Full origin of skim →Frequently asked questions
What does “skim” mean?
The word “skim” means to read something quickly, picking up only the main points. In plain terms, to read quickly without full attention, to glide over a surface, or to remove a top layer from a liquid.
How do you pronounce “skim”?
“Skim” is pronounced skihm (/skɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “skim” in a sentence?
Here is “skim” used in a sentence: “I skimmed the report before the meeting instead of reading it word for word.”
What part of speech is “skim”?
“Skim” is a verb.
Where does the word “skim” come from?
The word “skim” comes from Old French. From Middle English forms related to Old French "escumer," meaning "to remove scum," from a Germanic root for "foam.".
How many meanings does “skim” have?
“Skim” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to read something quickly, picking up only the main points.
