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

While Deloitte predicts a surge in autonomous AI deployment, only 29% of executives are confident in assessing their return on investment, according to IBM. — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

With Young starting in 2021, Metchie recorded 96 catches for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns, according to College Sports Reference — all collegiate career highs. — Alex Zietlow july 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2026

Red panda parents Kashmir and Dawa welcomed three cubs on June 29, according to an Instagram post from the Kansas City Zoo. — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026

Data-center demand rose from around 40% of global DRAM demand last year to more than half this year, according to Bulk, who expects that share to increase further. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 28 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