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

Freeman told Fortune the crowds skewed both international and local, with Coogan’s drawing large local crowds during Team USA matches. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 19 July 2026

The argument arrives at a moment when the national mood skews profoundly anti-establishment. — Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 19 July 2026

Adjective

Missteps in the feedback process can waste time, skew results and keep teams from making productive changes. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

In its report, the Center for Strategic and International Studies said the figures heavily skew toward Russia, with roughly three Russians killed or wounded to every one Ukrainian killed or wounded, the report finds. — Chris Boccia, ABC News, 1 July 2026

Noun

Bullish risk reversal In an attempt to capitalize on the historically expensive downside SPCX options and position for a violent snap-back, this risk reversal seeks to finance upside exposure by fading the put skew. — Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 17 July 2026

Convincing voters from three towns, some of which skew to the left and others to the right politically, is no easy task. — Jonny Williams, The Providence Journal, 16 July 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