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

Elsewhere, January collections skewed rather compact. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 20 Feb. 2026

This pale purple polish has a hint of pink that prevents the color from skewing chalky. —Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 20 Feb. 2026

Adjective

Single hearts and nail-bed outlines skew minimalist but instantly referential. —Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 6 Feb. 2026

Beef cuts also skew English, with options rare at Big Apple competitors, including rump steaks and the traditional English Long Bone Rib Steak, the Hawksmoor signature showpiece. —Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026

Noun

The crowd is harder to pin down, but skews toward stylish city escapees and creative types. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026

There are moments where the album’s tone skews leaden, where Shaw positions us right on the edge of despair. —Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 17 Feb. 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