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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Also according to the emergency service, consecutive Russian strikes on a shopping center in Kharkiv injured four people late on Saturday, including three rescue workers. — Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026 The person asked a mutual contact to warn Rosman, according to three people familiar with that exchange. — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Political advertising spending for this year surpassed $10 billion in October, marking an all-time high, according to media tracking group AdImpact, driven by record spending in states such as Ohio, Texas, and Maine. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 26 Oct. 2026 In a stunning political comeback, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been elected president of Brazil, according to official results from Sunday's runoff election, with more than 96% of the votes counted. — Catherine Osborn, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for according to

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of according to was in the 14th century

Rhymes for according to

See All Rhymes for according to

Browse Nearby Words

accordingly
according to
according to one's lights
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“According to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/according%20to. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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
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