to remove a substance from the surface of a liquid, to read something quickly in order to get a general idea of what it contains

skim the surface, skim and scan, skim milk

Formal and Informal Expressions of skims

In different contexts, you can replace 'skims' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'scan, peruse' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'glance, browse' is a commonplace synonym.

skims: Explore its Definition & Usage

skims Definition

1to remove a substance from the surface of a liquid
2to read something quickly in order to get a general idea of what it contains

Using skims: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "skims" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
She skims the cream off the milk.
Example
I just skimmed the report, but it looks like we need to make some changes.
Example
He skimmed through the book to find the answer.
Example
The bird skims over the water looking for fish.

skims Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for skims

Antonyms for skims

Phrases with skims

skim the surface
to deal with only the most obvious or superficial aspects of something
Example
The article only skimmed the surface of the issue.
skim and scan
to read something quickly in order to find specific information
Example
I had to skim and scan the document to find the relevant data.
skim milk
milk from which the cream has been removed
Example
I prefer to drink skim milk because it has less fat.

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Summary: skims in Brief

The verb 'skims' [skɪmz] has two main meanings. The first is to remove a substance from the surface of a liquid, as in 'She skims the cream off the milk.' The second is to read something quickly in order to get a general idea of what it contains, as in 'He skimmed through the book to find the answer.' The phrase 'skim the surface' refers to dealing with only the most obvious or superficial aspects of something.