1
: as stated, reported, or recorded by (someone or something)
According to a recent survey, most Americans drive to work. [=a recent survey says that most Americans drive to work]
According to rumors I've heard, he was fired for stealing from the company.
2
: as directed or required by (rules, directions, etc.)
She always did everything according to the rules.
I cooked the rice according to the directions on the box.
Everything went according to plan. [=everything went as it had been planned]
3
: in a way that is based on (something)
He arranged the books on the shelf according to [=by] their size.
He was paid according to how quickly he worked.
Cite this Entry
“According to.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/according%20to. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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