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
Although digital nomad groups typically skew younger, an increasing number of people in midlife and retirees are joining. — Maria Leonard Olsen, Travel + Leisure, 9 Aug. 2026 Abarca’s allegations Both Abarca’s accusations and the federal case against LeVota have to do with Jackson County legislators allegedly receiving monetary offers in exchange for skewing electoral outcomes. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 8 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Missteps in the feedback process can waste time, skew results and keep teams from making productive changes. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 In its report, the Center for Strategic and International Studies said the figures heavily skew toward Russia, with roughly three Russians killed or wounded to every one Ukrainian killed or wounded, the report finds. — Chris Boccia, ABC News, 1 July 2026
Noun
In this case, Turkish rose skews moodier—more cool-girl edge than overtly sweet. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026 Interestingly, the services that do not make it into the sovereign environment skew toward security tools, which a regulated buyer would least want to lose. — Michael Leone, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 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 14 Aug. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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