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

Rather, the crowd skews older, and the hotel is filled with people looking for something quiet, away from the bustle of São Paulo, not those looking to embrace it. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Their reactions varied, but skewed very positive; all, with the exception of Neon and Mubi, eventually passed. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026

Noun

Virtually any sci-fi setting out there has some shape or form of racing; The Expanse has an entire high-speed racing league that helps set the backdrop for the franchise, and even the likes of Speed Racer skew heavily toward the fantastical. — Hayes Madsen, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026

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