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.
That answer is unlikely to satisfy many Democratic primary voters, according to a poll of six early primary states conducted by YouGov on behalf of the Institute for Middle East Understanding Policy Project. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026 Legislators in at least 30 states have considered pricing bills this year, including measures addressing algorithmic and personalized pricing, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. — Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026 Agents arrested four people, including the property owner, and arrested a fifth the next day, according to previous Statesman reporting. — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 19 Oct. 2026 The warrant, signed Friday, was approved by the chief judge on the 11th Judicial Circuit Court following an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, according to the arrest warrant and affidavit obtained by the Herald/Times. — Liv Caputo Herald, Miami Herald, 19 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 20 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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