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

More than a dozen competitors had to be taken to hospitals in Santa Barbara and Goleta, according to a statement from Cottage Health. — James Queally follow, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026

The company plans to unveil its flagship vehicle in 2027, according to a press release. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2026

The University of Washington chapter of Students United for Palestinian Equality and Return, or SUPER UW, spearheaded a May 2024 encampment at the Seattle campus with other groups, according to reports and SUPER UW’s statements. — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 9 Nov. 2026

No one was injured in Sunday's strike on the village of Komyshuvakha, but specialized rescue equipment was damaged, according to Ukraine's State Emergency Service. — Arkansas Online, 9 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