skip
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for skip, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To move along lightly with a hop in each step.
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.
How to use skip
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English skippen, of North Germanic origin — likely related to Old Norse words meaning "to leap" or "push repeatedly", the same root family as the English word "shove".
Full origin of skip →Frequently asked questions
What does “skip” mean?
The word “skip” means to move along lightly with a hop in each step. In plain terms, to hop lightly, or to leave something out — and in British English, also a big rubbish container.
How do you pronounce “skip”?
“Skip” is pronounced skihp (/skɪp/ in IPA).
How do you use “skip” in a sentence?
Here is “skip” used in a sentence: “The children skipped down the path toward the playground.”
What part of speech is “skip”?
Depending on how it is used, “skip” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “skip” come from?
The word “skip” comes from Middle English. From Middle English skippen, of North Germanic origin — likely related to Old Norse words meaning "to leap" or "push repeatedly", the same root family as the English word "shove".
Is “skip” a common word?
“Skip” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “skip” have?
“Skip” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move along lightly with a hop in each step.
What is the difference between 'skip' and 'jump'?
To 'skip' is to move along lightly with a hop in each step, a repeated, bouncing motion used to travel forward. To 'jump' is a single push off the ground, usually up or over something. Skipping is continuous and light, while jumping is one discrete leap.
What is the difference between 'skip' and 'miss'?
To 'skip' something is to choose to leave it out or not do something you would normally do, as in 'skip breakfast.' To 'miss' something usually means you failed to catch or attend it, often unintentionally, as in 'miss the bus.' Skipping is deliberate, while missing often is not.
Does 'skip' mean to leave something out on purpose?
In one common sense, yes. 'Skip' can mean to deliberately leave out or not do something you would normally do, such as skipping a meal or a chapter. This differs from its literal sense of moving with a light hop in each step.