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

Talks with prospective buyers have been ongoing, according to a person close to the agency but not authorized to speak publicly. —Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026

More than 1,300 Iranians have died in the war so far, according to an official toll that's not been updated for several days. —Arkansas Online, 10 Mar. 2026

Live Nation has agreed to settle with the department in a deal that includes the divestment of up to 13 of its amphitheaters nationwide and puts in place a 15% cap on service fees for people who want to use the venues, according to a senior Justice Department official. —Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026

Starting in June 2021, Clasby stole the majority of cash receipts generated by Elder Services at the Kennedy Center in Quincy, according to the feds. —Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 10 Mar. 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