The term 'distorts, as data' can be summarized by two crossword solutions: 'FUDGES' (6 letters) and 'SKEWS' (5 letters). Fudging is a term used to describe the manipulation of data in order to make it appear more favorable. Skewing is a similar concept, but it involves changing the data in order to make it appear less favorable. Both terms refer to the alteration of data in order to achieve a desired outcome.