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 German hit 12 unforced errors in the set as too many of his forehands skewed off his racket at the wrong angle and out of the court. —Issy Ronald, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025

Cinema Score notched a C+ grade, though horror tends to skew controversial. —J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025

Adjective

Ken’s examples skew cheerier—tulips, Dorothy’s slippers, a rabbit’s nose—while his boss goes for lava, guts, the Nazi flag. —Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025

This year’s nominees skew toward smaller and more art house fare. —Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025

Noun

That sentiment ran throughout the comment section, though sometimes with a more positive skew. —Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025

The major one is checking for any training-serving skew. —William Mullane, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024

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

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