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

The new material combines kerosene, lecithin, and calcium chloride to produce a gel that behaves more like a soft solid at rest but flows when subjected to force or heat, according to a study. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026

One in five American adults has had an intimate encounter with AI, according to an MIT study, increasing the risk that some users believe AI is conscious and advocating for rights or moral status. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

More than 1,570 Palestinians have been killed since the truce began, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, bringing the war's overall death toll to more than 74,500. — Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026

Marshall charged an 18% interest rate, which was unusually high according to an analysis by The Star. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 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