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

But, over the past several weeks, 200 million barrels of oil came out of the strait — adding 17 days of supply, according to Lipow Oil Associates. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

Another male victim was treated by medics at the scene but declined to go to the hospital, according to police. — Laura Fay, CBS News, 14 July 2026

That idea became the first YMCA youth soccer league in the country and, according to the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, a launching pad for the sport’s rise across the United States. — Carson Bonner, AJC.com, 14 July 2026

The ride’s development also involved Legendary’s film division directly, according to Ngo. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 July 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