skew

1 of 3

verb

ˈskyü How to pronounce skew (audio)
skewed; skewing; skews
Synonyms of skewnext

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Gates noted that his average time has been skewed by his recent health issues. — Andre Butso, AJC.com, 2 July 2026 Our society’s perception of what a moderate looks like has simply skewed so rightward. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Adjective
Their answers, unsurprisingly, skew toward once-trending hues that now feel tired and overused. — Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 5 Jan. 2026 Portions run generous and flavors skew crowd-pleasing, the kind of lineup designed to keep everyone fed, happy, and firmly on property. — Kinsey Gidick, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
While the crowd skews young, the hotel also attracts business travelers craving a post-conference buzz. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 That's a rare degree of bullish skew in options flows for any security, especially one with so little trailing price momentum. — Oliver Renick, CNBC, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for skew

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of skew was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing skew

Rhymes for skew

See All Rhymes for skew

Browse Nearby Words

skevish
skew
skew aileron
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Skew.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skew. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on skew

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for skew

Nglish: Translation of skew for Spanish Speakers

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