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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The National Hurricane Center’s storm track forecasts during the 2024 season set new records for accuracy at every timeframe from 12 hours to five days into the future, according to a preliminary report released Monday. Eric Zerkel, Mary Gilbert and Angela Fritz, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025 The bank suffered 10 near misses of $1 billion or more last year and 13 in the year prior, the according to the report. Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 1 Mar. 2025 Despite Hollywood’s obsession with attacking President Donald Trump during award shows in his first term, this year’s Academy Awards show is aiming to be politics-free, according to a report. Heather Hunter, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Mar. 2025 Police responded to a call about a break-in at the city Department of Animal Services early Wednesday morning, according to a news release. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 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 14 Mar. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on according to

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