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.
This year, Americans each plan to spend over $900 on holiday gifts, up from about $800 last year, according to NerdWallet’s annual holiday spending report. Allie Volpe, Vox, 19 Nov. 2024 Investigators have yet to announce any arrests in the shooting, which happened shortly before 2 a.m. in a parking lot on the 1800 block of Whipple Road, according to the Union City Police Department. Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 17 Nov. 2024 Harbinger Motors is backed by venture capital money, with $100 million funded to date and another $82 million expected to scale-up production, according to Harris and Crunchbase, which tracks funding data for startups. Pat Maio, Orange County Register, 16 Nov. 2024 Eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits would primarily benefit taxpayers who earn between $63,000 and $200,000, according to estimates from the Tax Policy Center. Tribune News Service, Twin Cities, 15 Nov. 2024 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

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 24 Nov. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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