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

From that video, investigators were able to identify the man was wearing an Ozark backpack, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, but are still trying to identify other items and where they might have been purchased. —Randi Kaye, CNN Money, 24 Feb. 2026

The only baby available for public viewing at the zoo is Gilbert and Dumpling’s chick, according to the post. —Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 24 Feb. 2026

Toyota, the world’s largest automaker by volume, saw net income fall 25% in the first nine months of its fiscal year 2026, according to a filing. —Robert Ferris, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026

Airports are open in Mexico, though travel has been impacted, specifically at the airports in Guadalajara or Puerto Vallarta, according to the State Department. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 24 Feb. 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