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

Over a million private sector workers on federal grants and contracts could also be affected by the shutdown, according to the Professional Services Council, the national trade association for government technology and professional services. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 8 Oct. 2025

Weak shaking has been recorded and several people reported experiencing the tremor in and around the San Jose area according to the USGS DYFI report. —Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2025

Smartwatch & Fitness Tracker Deals The Fitbit Sense 2 builds upon the original with a more responsive touch screen and extended battery life, according to our managing editor for consumer electronics, Angela Moscaritolo. —Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025

The identities of the two boys and their cause of death were not immediately released, but foul play is not suspected, according to WFAA. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2025

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