according to

preposition

1

: in conformity with

2

: as stated or attested by

3

: depending on

Examples of according to in a Sentence

According to rumors I've heard, he was fired for stealing from the company.

She always did everything according to the rules.

I cooked the rice according to the directions on the box.

He was paid according to how quickly he worked.

Recent Examples on the Web

Democrats hold just a five-percentage-point lead over Republicans about a month and a half out from the 2026 midterm elections, according to a new NBC News poll that was released on Sunday. — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 21 Sep. 2026

Because the fees are calculated according to weight, glass is facing disproportionate costs compared to cardboard and plastic. — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026

The district is 67% Hispanic and Latino, 20% white, and less than 10% Black and Asian, according to 2024 census data. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Bees go into forests to find natural nesting cavities, search for food or establish permanent colonies, according to the Xeres Society for Invertebrate Conservation. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 20 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English acordyng to, from acordyng "agreeing" (from present participle of accorden "to accord entry 1") + to to entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for according to

• hullabaloo
• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup

Kids Definition

according to

preposition

1

: in agreement with

did everything according to the rules

2

: as stated by

according to the experts

3

: depending on

dress according to the weather