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

While Gucci and Ferragamo skewed toward classic styles and neutral tones, Prada experimented with unique shapes and designs while Onitsuka Tiger got creative with colorful metallics and hybrid silhouettes. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

Earlier this month, Evercore ISI used a six-month measure to call out 115 S&P 500 stocks with negative beta, a list skewed toward energy, utilities and consumer staples. — Deena Zaidi,nick Wells, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026

Noun

But in Brazil, older people vote less – and this year, skew left. — Constance Malleret, Christian Science Monitor, 23 Sep. 2026

Overall, the top 10 skews toward northern and central Europe, with cities in Norway, Lithuania, Croatia, and Switzerland also making the cut. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 23 Sep. 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