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

As has been the case with Prime’s stewardship of the NFL’s Thursday Night Football package, the audience for Amazon’s NBA coverage skewed significantly younger than the trad TV crowd. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Word quickly spread to the creative community that the new regime was looking to supplement the existing lineup of largely male-skewing shows with female dramas. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Aug. 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

Changes in skew, which measures demand for options at various price points, have been particularly key, Murphy noted. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026

In this case, Turkish rose skews moodier—more cool-girl edge than overtly sweet. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Aug. 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