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

On Saturday and Sunday, the free festival will welcome more than 140 artists and makers selling their handmade goods, artwork, jewelry, vintage items, beer and specialty foods, according to a news release. — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026

The ShotSpotter gunshot detection system has been reactivated in Cambridge, Massachusetts, according to the city's police department. — CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

The cost of building Elston Howard Field, previously named Heritage Field, was $51 million, according to a 2011 report in The New York Times. — Sam Blum, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Just 30% of teens say a teacher has ever talked about how to use AI safely, according to a new survey of 13- to 17-year-olds by Common Sense Media. — CNN Money, 18 Aug. 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