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.
Comer has also started holding office hours at VFW Post 4075 in Frankfort and is helping lead an effort urging the National Personnel Records Center to fix delays for returning veteran records, according to a press release. Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 24 July 2025 The average 20-inch box fan consumes about 75 watts per hour at full speed, according to electric power distributor and telecommunication company EPB. Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 24 July 2025 Rocketship Public Schools, a charter school network, purchased the former Carmen Schools Stellar Elementary building for nearly $1.17 million, according to a deed recorded by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue on July 15. Mia Thurow, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025 Tax changes in the new federal law are expected to reduce Michigan's corporate tax revenues by $677 million in the 2026 fiscal year that begins Oct. 1 and by another $613 million in the 2027 fiscal year, according to the report released July 22. Paul Egan, Freep.com, 24 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 29 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

More from Merriam-Webster on according to

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