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 The family-friendly event will take place downtown on Saturday and will feature nearly 60 different performance groups, including dancers, marching bands and classic cars, according to the parade website. Hanh Truong, Sacramento Bee, 8 Mar. 2024 Most of the homes in Greenway are valued at less than $150,000, according to the Tarrant Appraisal District. Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2024 The teen was charged with murder, according to the Grand Forks Police Department. Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 8 Mar. 2024 About 100 acres of state trust land in north Phoenix that the Arizona Coyotes are hoping to buy for their future home is valued at $68.5 million, according to a new appraisal. Stacey Barchenger, The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024 The upgrade was expected to be complete by 4 p.m. EST, according to the status page. Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2024 Israel's ongoing military operation has killed more than 29,000 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2024 Chamber nonprofit invoices indicate the money was used to provide services to develop shop-and-dine-local programs, identify government resources for business relief, and coordinate virtual town hall seminars, according to the state audit. Michael Slaten, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024 More than 51 million Americans experienced chronic pain in 2021 alone, according to CDC reports that analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey. Omer Awan, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'according to.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near according to

Cite this Entry

“According to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/according%20to. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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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