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

The Rhodium Group estimates that the actual 2024 increase in China’s GDP was about half the official figure, which would skew the comparison further in favor of the United States. —George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026

The city, steeped in so much history, has leaned into properties that skewed traditional—until now. —Marni Elyse Katz, Architectural Digest, 25 May 2026

Adjective

In women’s lacrosse, the numbers—in spending and on-field success—skew way more heavily toward the Power Four schools, likely a product of earlier investment and Title IX considerations. —Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 26 May 2026

How this skew towards higher-price-tag goods manifested? —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 7 May 2026

Noun

Asia – led by South Korea, which accounts for 46% of the region’s adaptation activity – drives overall volume and skews toward television, with TV making up 62% of Asian adaptations. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 May 2026

Positive skew is genuinely uncommon in equities. —Michael Khouw, CNBC, 20 May 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