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

One was pronounced dead at the scene, and the other was taken to a hospital, according to the Sheriff’s Department. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

All personnel aboard the vessel survived the incident and no injuries were reported, according to the department. — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 7 July 2026

Kent pleaded guilty in November to one count of providing material support to terrorists, according to court records. — Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026

The grand jury met in Oakland on July 2, according to the documents, which were signed by a federal prosecutor. — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 7 July 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