Meaning & use

skimmed

verb·Everyday

Read something quickly, noting only the main points rather than every detail.

See it in a sentence

She skimmed the report before the meeting since she had no time to read it fully.

He skimmed the newspaper headlines while waiting for his coffee.

A note on using this word

Past tense of "skim"; contrast with "scanned," which suggests searching for a specific detail rather than getting a general sense.

Words with a similar meaning

scannedglanced through

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

studiedpored over

Another way to use it

2. verb

Removed a layer of fat, cream, or foam from the surface of a liquid.

The chef skimmed the fat off the top of the simmering stock.

Make it your own

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