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.
Chair44 isn’t exactly the first example of such a monotile in three dimensions, according to Kaplan, a computer scientist whose research focuses on the intersection of mathematics and art. — Rachel Crowell, Scientific American, 12 Oct. 2026 The Colom campaign will run the 30-second spot on digital and radio statewide in Mississippi as part of a seven-figure media buy in Mississippi, according to details shared first with Semafor. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 12 Oct. 2026 Earlier this year, the Dutch adaptation launched on RTL4 to more than 1 million viewers and a Polish version delivered TVN’s biggest primetime launch in five years, according to TF1. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026 Over the past 12 years, CARE has received more than $105 million in funding over the past dozen years, of which the NCAA has contributed at least $23 million, according to public reports. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 12 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 14 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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