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
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Before storms later in the weekend, conditions will be warm and humid on Friday, July 11, according to the National Weather Service Fort Worth. Brayden Garcia july 11, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2025 In its broader push to boost the U.S. birth rate, the Trump administration has increased the child tax credit, implemented a new $1,000 baby bonus, and, according to reporting by The New York Times, floated affirmative action for parents who apply to Fulbright scholarships. Lucy Tu, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025 Only two similar finds have been noted in bore hole samples anywhere in the world, not to mention on the grounds of a dinosaur museum, according to museum officials, AP noted. Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025 Agents were executing a search warrant at the farm and arrested several individuals on suspicion of impeding the operation, according to Essayli. Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“According to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/according%20to. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

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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