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 route at the time of the collision allowed the Black Hawk to fly as close as 75 feet below planes descending to land on runway 33 at Reagan National Airport, according to the NTSB. —Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026

Here's a look at snow totals from around West Virginia as of Monday night, according to the National Weather Service. —Michael Guise, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026

More than two dozen congressional Republicans have called for a thorough investigation of the shooting of Alex Pretti, according to a count by ABC News. —Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 27 Jan. 2026

As of January 26, 2026, Dhurandhar has grossed ₹1,300 crore ($160 million) worldwide, according to Jio Studios. —Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 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