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

Jason Bailey, a 22-year veteran of the department, and officer Joseph Burns, a four-year veteran of the department, returned fire, according to the release. —Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2025

This decision was made due to companywide downsizing, according to Joe Kave, vice president and general counsel. —Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025

Social media companies and influencers paid to promote pharmaceutical offerings without proper disclosures will also be targeted by the federal government, according to CNBC, which cited unnamed senior officials. —Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

The reaction to services like Vox Dei, according to Eaton, has been overwhelmingly positive. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 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