Quick Answer: Synonyms for according include based on, as stated by, as reported by, in line with, in accordance with, consistent with, conforming to, depending on, pursuant to, and in agreement with. Use based on when something comes from evidence, as stated by when naming a source, in accordance with for rules, consistent with for facts or results, and depending on when something changes by condition.
Pronunciation and Word Details
Word: According
Pronunciation: /əˈkɔːr.dɪŋ/
Part of Speech: Verb form, adjective, and part of the common phrase “according to”
Meaning: According means agreeing with something, following something, or being based on what a person, source, rule, or condition says.
US Pronunciation:
UK Pronunciation:
What Does “According” Mean?
Direct Answer: “According” means matching, agreeing with, following, or being based on a source, rule, statement, fact, or condition.
The word according is most often used in the phrase according to. In this phrase, it introduces the source of information or the basis for a statement. For example, according to the report means the report is the source of the information.
According can also show agreement with rules, plans, instructions, evidence, or expectations. It works in formal writing, academic writing, reports, business communication, and everyday conversation.
Meaning, Tone, and Context of “According”
Tone: According is usually neutral, clear, and informative.
Formality: It can sound formal in essays, reports, and official writing, but it is also common in everyday speech.
Common Use: The phrase according to is used when giving a source, explaining a rule, referring to evidence, or showing the basis of an idea.
Academic Context: According to the results, the method was effective.
Business Context: According to the schedule, the project will finish on Friday.
Casual Context: According to Ali, the shop closes early today.
Formal Context: The work was completed according to the policy.
When and How to Use “According”
For Source Attribution: Use according to when you want to show where information comes from.
Example: According to the teacher, the exam will be simple.
For Rules: Use according to when something follows a rule, policy, instruction, or requirement.
Example: The form must be completed according to the instructions.
For Evidence: Use according to when a claim is based on data, records, results, or reports.
Example: According to the data, customer satisfaction increased.
For Conditions: Use according to when something changes based on a situation, amount, level, or need.
Example: Prices may change according to demand.
For Agreement: Use according when something matches or agrees with another thing.
Example: The results are according with our expectations.
Best Synonyms for According
Based On: Built from facts, evidence, information, or reasoning.
Example: The decision was based on the final report.
As Stated By: Used when repeating what a person, document, or source says.
Example: As stated by the manager, the meeting will begin at ten.
As Reported By: Used when information comes from a report, record, or announcement.
Example: As reported by the team, the system is now working.
In Line With: Matching a rule, plan, expectation, or standard.
Example: The new design is in line with the company guidelines.
In Accordance With: Following a rule, law, instruction, or formal requirement.
Example: The work was completed in accordance with the safety rules.
Consistent With: Matching facts, results, patterns, or previous information.
Example: The findings are consistent with earlier results.
Conforming To: Following rules, standards, or accepted requirements.
Example: The product is conforming to quality standards.
Depending On: Changing because of a condition, situation, or factor.
Example: The delivery time varies depending on location.
Pursuant To: Following a legal rule, agreement, order, or official requirement.
Example: The notice was issued pursuant to the agreement.
In Agreement With: Matching an opinion, rule, statement, or decision.
Example: The final answer is in agreement with the instructions.
50 Synonyms for According with Short Meanings
- Based On: Built from facts or evidence.
- As Stated By: As said or written by a source.
- As Reported By: As shared in a report.
- As Mentioned By: As briefly said by someone.
- As Noted By: As pointed out by a source.
- As Explained By: As made clear by someone.
- As Described By: As represented or explained by a source.
- As Indicated By: As shown by evidence or signs.
- As Shown By: As proven or displayed by something.
- As Suggested By: As implied by a source or result.
- As Claimed By: As said by someone, especially when not fully proven.
- As Confirmed By: As verified by a source.
- As Recorded By: As written in records or documents.
- As Observed By: As noticed or seen by someone.
- As Found By: As discovered through research or review.
- As Presented By: As shown or introduced by a source.
- As Outlined By: As explained in a clear structure.
- As Defined By: As explained through a definition.
- As Required By: As demanded by rules or instructions.
- As Directed By: As instructed by a person or rule.
- In Line With: Matching a rule, plan, or expectation.
- In Accordance With: Following a formal rule or instruction.
- In Agreement With: Matching an idea, rule, or statement.
- Consistent With: Matching facts, patterns, or results.
- Conforming To: Following standards or rules.
- Aligned With: Matching a goal, rule, or plan.
- Compatible With: Able to match or work with something.
- Matching: Being the same as or similar to something.
- Following: Coming after or obeying something.
- Under: Controlled or guided by a rule.
- Per: As stated by a rule, instruction, or source.
- As Per: In agreement with a rule or instruction.
- Pursuant To: According to a legal or official rule.
- Subject To: Depending on a rule, condition, or approval.
- On The Basis Of: Using something as the reason or support.
- On The Authority Of: Based on an official source or expert.
- With Reference To: In connection with a source or subject.
- In Relation To: Connected with a subject or situation.
- In Terms Of: Considering a particular aspect.
- Depending On: Changing because of a condition.
- Determined By: Decided by a factor or rule.
- Guided By: Influenced or directed by something.
- Governed By: Controlled by a rule, law, or system.
- Measured By: Judged using a standard or method.
- Judged By: Evaluated through a rule or standard.
- In Keeping With: Matching a style, rule, or expectation.
- In Harmony With: Agreeing smoothly with something.
- In Compliance With: Following rules or requirements.
- In Step With: Moving or matching with a trend or plan.
- In Keeping With The Terms Of: Following the terms of an agreement.
Read Also:
Synonyms for Advanced
Synonyms for According by Context
When According Means Based On a Source
Use these synonyms when you want to show where information comes from.
Useful Synonyms: As stated by, as reported by, as mentioned by, as noted by, as explained by.
Example: According to the report, the number increased.
Better Option: As reported by the report, the number increased.
When According Means Following Rules
Use these synonyms when something follows instructions, policies, laws, or requirements.
Useful Synonyms: In accordance with, pursuant to, in compliance with, as required by, as directed by.
Example: The form was submitted according to the rules.
Better Option: The form was submitted in accordance with the rules.
When According Means Matching or Agreeing
Use these synonyms when something agrees with a fact, result, idea, or expectation.
Useful Synonyms: In line with, consistent with, in agreement with, aligned with, in keeping with.
Example: The result is according to our expectations.
Better Option: The result is consistent with our expectations.
When According Means Depending On
Use these synonyms when something changes because of a factor, condition, or situation.
Useful Synonyms: Depending on, determined by, subject to, guided by, measured by.
Example: The price changes according to the size.
Better Option: The price changes depending on the size.
When According Means In Relation To
Use these synonyms when discussing a subject, category, or point of view.
Useful Synonyms: In terms of, with reference to, in relation to, on the basis of.
Example: According to quality, this option is better.
Better Option: In terms of quality, this option is better.
Another Word for According
Direct Answer: Another word for according is based on, especially when something comes from facts, evidence, data, or information.
The best replacement depends on context. Use as stated by for a person or source, in accordance with for rules, consistent with for agreement, and depending on for conditions.
Original: According to the data, the result improved.
Better Option: Based on the data, the result improved.
Original: According to the rules, late entries are not accepted.
Better Option: In accordance with the rules, late entries are not accepted.
Original: The result is according to the previous findings.
Better Option: The result is consistent with the previous findings.
Original: Fees change according to the course level.
Better Option: Fees change depending on the course level.
When Not to Use “According”
Avoid according when a more exact word would make the sentence clearer. It can sound repetitive if used too often, and it can be awkward when the meaning is really about evidence, rules, conditions, or agreement.
Weak: According to the evidence, the answer is correct.
Better: Based on the evidence, the answer is correct.
Weak: The work was done according to the law.
Better: The work was done in accordance with the law.
Weak: The result is according to the earlier data.
Better: The result is consistent with the earlier data.
Weak: Prices change according to location.
Better: Prices change depending on location.
Weak: According to my opinion, this is useful.
Better: In my opinion, this is useful.
Words Commonly Confused With According
According vs Based On: According usually points to a source, while based on points to evidence, facts, or reasons.
According vs In Accordance With: According to can refer to a source or rule, while in accordance with is more formal and means following a rule or requirement.
According vs Consistent With: According to introduces a source, while consistent with means matching facts, patterns, or results.
According vs Depending On: According to can show a condition, but depending on is clearer when something changes because of a factor.
According vs As Per: As per means according to, but it can sound stiff or overly formal in simple writing.
According vs In Terms Of: According to introduces a source, while in terms of focuses on a specific aspect or category.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Choose based on when writing about facts, evidence, data, reasons, or research.
Choose as stated by when referring to what a person, document, or source directly says.
Choose as reported by when the information comes from a report, update, or announcement.
Choose in accordance with when writing about rules, laws, policies, or instructions.
Choose pursuant to for legal, official, or contract based writing.
Choose consistent with when results, facts, or patterns match each other.
Choose in line with when something matches a plan, expectation, policy, or standard.
Choose depending on when a result changes because of a condition or factor.
Choose in terms of when comparing or discussing one specific aspect.
Choose as per only when a formal or business tone is suitable.
Real Life Examples of “According” in Sentences
Original: According to the report, sales increased this month.
Better Option: Based on the report, sales increased this month.
Original: According to the teacher, the test will be easy.
Better Option: As stated by the teacher, the test will be easy.
Original: The project was completed according to the plan.
Better Option: The project was completed in line with the plan.
Original: The result is according to our expectations.
Better Option: The result is consistent with our expectations.
Original: Payment will be made according to the contract.
Better Option: Payment will be made in accordance with the contract.
Original: The price changes according to demand.
Better Option: The price changes depending on demand.
Original: According to the rules, phones are not allowed.
Better Option: In accordance with the rules, phones are not allowed.
Original: According to the data, the new method works better.
Better Option: Based on the data, the new method works better.
Original: The answer is according to the instructions.
Better Option: The answer follows the instructions.
Original: According to the manager, the office will close early.
Better Option: As mentioned by the manager, the office will close early.
Synonym Groups and Usage Differences
Source Group
This group is used when information comes from a person, report, document, or record.
Synonyms: As stated by, as reported by, as mentioned by, as noted by, as recorded by.
Example: As stated by the instructor, the final date is Monday.
Evidence Group
This group is used when a statement depends on proof, facts, data, or research.
Synonyms: Based on, on the basis of, as shown by, as indicated by, as confirmed by.
Example: Based on the evidence, the claim is reasonable.
Rule Group
This group is used when something follows rules, policies, laws, or instructions.
Synonyms: In accordance with, pursuant to, in compliance with, as required by, as directed by.
Example: The document was prepared in accordance with the rules.
Agreement Group
This group is used when something matches facts, expectations, ideas, or standards.
Synonyms: Consistent with, in line with, in agreement with, aligned with, in keeping with.
Example: The final result is consistent with the earlier findings.
Condition Group
This group is used when something changes because of a factor or situation.
Synonyms: Depending on, determined by, subject to, guided by, measured by.
Example: The final cost depends on the selected package.
Antonyms of According
Contrary To: Opposite to a rule, statement, or fact.
Against: Not following or agreeing with something.
Opposed To: In disagreement with something.
In Conflict With: Not matching another idea, rule, or fact.
Inconsistent With: Not matching evidence, results, or patterns.
Regardless Of: Without being affected by something.
Despite: Even though something exists or happens.
Independent Of: Not based on or controlled by something.
Unrelated To: Not connected to the source or topic.
Differing From: Not the same as something else.
Comparison: According vs Related Words
According vs Based On
Difference: According to usually names a source. Based on usually names evidence, facts, or reasons.
Example With According: According to the report, the issue is serious.
Example With Based On: Based on the report, the issue is serious.
According vs In Accordance With
Difference: According to can introduce a source or rule. In accordance with is more formal and means following a rule, policy, law, or instruction.
Example With According: According to the policy, all visitors must register.
Example With In Accordance With: In accordance with the policy, all visitors must register.
According vs Consistent With
Difference: According to points to where information comes from. Consistent with means matching facts, patterns, or previous results.
Example With According: According to the results, the plan worked.
Example With Consistent With: The results are consistent with the earlier findings.
According vs Depending On
Difference: According to can sometimes show condition, but depending on is clearer when something changes because of a factor.
Example With According: The fee changes according to the service type.
Example With Depending On: The fee changes depending on the service type.
According vs As Stated By
Difference: According to is general. As stated by is more direct when repeating what a person or document says.
Example With According: According to the guide, the answer is correct.
Example With As Stated By: As stated by the guide, the answer is correct.
Common Phrases and Expressions With According
According To: As said by, reported by, or based on a source.
According To The Report: Based on information in a report.
According To The Rules: Following the rules.
According To The Law: Following legal requirements.
According To The Data: Based on data or results.
According To The Plan: Following the planned method.
According To The Schedule: Following the arranged time.
According To The Instructions: Following given directions.
According To Experts: Based on expert opinion.
According To Need: Based on what is needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using According Without To: In most modern sentences, the phrase should be according to, not only according.
Weak: According the report, sales increased.
Better: According to the report, sales increased.
Overusing According To: Repeating according to too often can make writing sound dull.
Weak: According to the report, according to the data, the result improved.
Better: Based on the report and data, the result improved.
Using According To for Personal Opinion: Do not use according to me in natural English.
Weak: According to me, this answer is better.
Better: In my opinion, this answer is better.
Choosing a Formal Synonym in Casual Writing: Words like pursuant to can sound too legal or stiff in everyday writing.
Weak: Pursuant to my friend, the class is canceled.
Better: According to my friend, the class is canceled.
Confusing Source and Evidence: Use according to for a source and based on for evidence.
Weak: According to the evidence, the answer is clear.
Better: Based on the evidence, the answer is clear.
Conclusion
Synonyms for according help you write with more accuracy, variety, and clarity. The best replacement depends on meaning. Use based on for evidence, as stated by for sources, in accordance with for rules, consistent with for matching results, and depending on for conditions. While according to is useful and common, stronger synonyms can make essays, reports, emails, and everyday sentences sound more precise and natural.
FAQs About Synonyms for According
What are the best synonyms for according?
The best synonyms for according are based on, as stated by, as reported by, in line with, in accordance with, consistent with, and depending on.
What is another word for according in an essay?
A good essay synonym for according is based on when discussing evidence, or as stated by when referring to a source.
What can I use instead of according to?
You can use based on, as reported by, as stated by, in accordance with, in line with, or depending on, based on the sentence.
Is according to formal or informal?
According to is neutral. It works in formal writing, academic writing, business writing, and casual conversation.
Is based on the same as according to?
Not always. According to usually introduces a source, while based on usually shows the facts, evidence, or reason behind something.
Can I say according to me?
No, according to me sounds unnatural in standard English. Use in my opinion, I think, or from my point of view instead.
What is the most formal synonym for according?
The most formal synonyms are in accordance with, pursuant to, and in compliance with. These are best for rules, legal writing, policies, and official documents.
