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

Hurts has averaged 60 under-center snaps across six NFL seasons (versus averaging 500 shotgun snaps), according to TruMedia. — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Niihau is the seventh-largest island in the Hawaiian Island chain, but the smallest populated island, according to the Niihau Cultural Heritage Foundation. — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2026

There’s been little movement on the key Democratic demand, an ethics component governing the president and his family, according to two Democratic aides. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2026

The tariff cost will vary by product, ranging from 15% to 50%, according to reports. — Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 8 Sep. 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