skew

1 of 3

verb

ˈskyü 

skewed; skewing; skews

intransitive verb

1

: to take an oblique course

2

: to look askance

transitive verb

1

: to make, set, or cut on the skew

2

: to distort especially from a true value or symmetrical form

skew

2 of 3

adjective

1

: set, placed, or running obliquely : slanting

2

: more developed on one side or in one direction than another : not symmetrical

skew

3 of 3

noun

: a deviation from a straight line : slant

Examples of skew in a Sentence

Verb

They were accused of skewing the facts to fit their theory.

He accused them of skewing the rules in their favor.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Like many cushion foundations, shade ranges can skew limited—K-beauty brands have historically catered to a narrower spectrum—but this one is a bit more impressive, with 20 shades to choose from. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 Apr. 2026

If your palette is skewing more English Garden than primary colors, these are a great pick. —Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 26 Apr. 2026

Adjective

One of the most desirable characteristics of the U.S. streaming platforms is how much younger their audiences skew when compared to TV viewers. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 1 Apr. 2026

Doing vibe coding by leaning into AI personas that have a particular software programming slant or skew, see my analysis at the link here. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 22 Mar. 2026

Noun

Who gets crushed The pain is not distributed equally—and the skew is punishing. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026

Among Jewish Democrats, opinion skews against AIPAC, with 37% having an unfavorable opinion and 29% favorable. —Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, to escape, run obliquely, from Anglo-French *eskiuer, eschiver to escape, avoid — more at eschew

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Adjective

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1688, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing skew

• skew curve
• skew distribution
• skew lines
• skew-whiff

Rhymes for skew

• blew
• blue
• boo
• brew
• chew
• chou
• clue
• coo
• coup
• crew
• cue
• dew

Kids Definition

skew

verb

ˈskyü

1

: to take a slanting course : move or turn aside : swerve

2

: to distort from a true value or symmetrical form

skewed the facts to fit their theory