Synonyms for According 30 Similar Words and Phrases

According is mostly used in the phrase “according to,” which means as stated by someone, or based on certain information. Think about a student writing a report on animals. She writes, “According to the zookeeper, elephants can live for over sixty years.” This phrase helps her show that the fact came from a trusted source, not just her own guess. People use synonyms for according a lot in reports, news stories, and school papers to show where information comes from. Learning new synonyms for according are helpful for English learners and writers. Who want to describe sources and facts in many different ways. Synonyms for according also makes writing feel more clear and trustworthy. This article explains the meaning of according. Its history, how to say it, and 30 words and phrases that share a similar meaning.

Meaning of According

Definition

According (used mainly in the phrase “according to”)

As stated by someone, or based on certain information or a certain source.

Examples

• According to the weather report, it will rain tomorrow.
• She acted according to the school’s rules.

Connotative Meaning

• Positive tone:
• This phrase can sound trustworthy. It shows that the information comes from a clear and reliable source.
• Negative tone:
• This phrase is rarely negative. However, it may sound uncertain if people do not trust the source.
• Neutral tone:
• In news, reports, and schoolwork, this phrase is often used in a simple, factual way to show where the information comes from.

Etymology

• This word comes from the Middle English word “acorden,” meaning “to agree.”
• The word came from the Old French “acorder,” which came from the Latin “accordare.” It meant “to bring into agreement.”
• The Latin word combines “ad-,” meaning “to,” and “cor,” meaning “heart.” The idea was that people’s hearts came together in agreement.

Short History

• Old English (450–1100):
• This word did not exist yet. People used other native words to show agreement or matching facts.
• Middle English (1100–1500):
• The word “acorden” came into English from French. It meant “to agree” or “to match.” The word “according” developed from it and was used for something that agreed with a source.
• Modern English (1500–Present):
• The phrase “according to” became a common way to show where information comes from. It is widely used in writing, news, reports, and everyday speech.

Pronunciation (US & UK – IPA)

• US: /əˈkɔːrdɪŋ/
• UK: /əˈkɔːdɪŋ/

Syllables

ac-cord-ing (3 syllables)

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Affixation Pattern of According

• Root: cord (from Latin “cor,” meaning “heart”)
• Prefix: ac- (a form of “ad-,” meaning “to”)
• Suffix: -ing (forms the ongoing action or describing word)

Word Formation:

• Accord (noun/verb)
• According (adjective/preposition)
• Accordingly (adverb)
• Accordance (noun)

Synonyms for According

1. As stated by (Phrase) — US: /æz ˈsteɪtɪd baɪ/ | UK: /æz ˈsteɪtɪd baɪ/

Meaning: Based on the exact words said by someone. Examples:

• As stated by the doctor, rest is important for recovery.
• As stated by the coach, practice starts at six.

2. As reported by (Phrase) — US: /æz rɪˈpɔːrtɪd baɪ/ | UK: /æz rɪˈpɔːtɪd baɪ/

Meaning: Based on information shared by a source, often news or research. Examples:

• As reported by the news, the storm has passed.
• As reported by scientists, the ice caps are melting.

3. As per (Phrase) — US: /æz pər/ | UK: /æz pɜː/

Meaning: In agreement with, or based on a certain rule or source. Examples:

• As per the instructions, the machine needs oil weekly.
• As per school policy, uniforms are required.

4. Based on (Phrase) — US: /beɪst ɒn/ | UK: /beɪst ɒn/

Meaning: Using certain information as the foundation for a fact or idea. Examples:

• Based on the survey, most students prefer online classes.
• Based on her notes, the plan will work well.

5. In line with (Phrase) — US: /ɪn laɪn wɪð/ | UK: /ɪn laɪn wɪð/

Meaning: Matching or following a certain rule or fact. Examples:

• Her actions were in line with the company’s values.
• The plan is in line with the new safety rules.

6. In keeping with (Phrase) — US: /ɪn ˈkiːpɪŋ wɪð/ | UK: /ɪn ˈkiːpɪŋ wɪð/

Meaning: Matching or fitting with certain expectations or facts. Examples:

• In keeping with tradition, they lit candles for the festival.
• Her speech was in keeping with the serious mood.

7. As claimed by (Phrase) — US: /æz kleɪmd baɪ/ | UK: /æz kleɪmd baɪ/

Meaning: Based on what someone has said, though it may not be fully proven. Examples:

• As claimed by the witness, the car was speeding.
• As claimed by the company, the product is fully safe.

8. As indicated by (Phrase) — US: /æz ˈɪndɪˌkeɪtɪd baɪ/ | UK: /æz ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪd baɪ/

Meaning: Based on a clear sign or piece of evidence. Examples:

• As indicated by the chart, sales rose sharply.
• As indicated by the test results, she passed easily.

9. As noted by (Phrase) — US: /æz ˈnoʊtɪd baɪ/ | UK: /æz ˈnəʊtɪd baɪ/

Meaning: Based on a comment or observation made by someone. Examples:

• As noted by the teacher, the class improved this term.
• As noted by the report, costs have gone up.

10. As mentioned by (Phrase) — US: /æz ˈmɛnʃənd baɪ/ | UK: /æz ˈmɛnʃənd baɪ/

Meaning: Based on something said earlier by a person or source. Examples:

• As mentioned by the guide, the museum closes at five.
• As mentioned by her manager, the deadline moved to Friday.

11. As shown by (Phrase) — US: /æz ʃoʊn baɪ/ | UK: /æz ʃəʊn baɪ/

Meaning: Based on clear proof or evidence. Examples:

• As shown by the data, the plan worked well.
• As shown by the photos, the road was flooded.

12. In accordance with (Phrase) — US: /ɪn əˈkɔːrdəns wɪð/ | UK: /ɪn əˈkɔːdəns wɪð/

Meaning: Following or matching a certain rule or fact, in a formal way. Examples:

• The building was built in accordance with safety codes.
• She acted in accordance with the school’s guidelines.

13. Going by (Phrase) — US: /ˈɡoʊɪŋ baɪ/ | UK: /ˈɡəʊɪŋ baɪ/

Meaning: Using certain information as a guide or basis. Examples:

• Going by the map, the store is two blocks away.
• Going by his smile, the news must be good.

14. Judging by (Phrase) — US: /ˈdʒʌdʒɪŋ baɪ/ | UK: /ˈdʒʌdʒɪŋ baɪ/

Meaning: Forming an idea based on certain clues or facts. Examples:

• Judging by the clouds, it will rain soon.
• Judging by her tone, she was upset.

15. In the words of (Phrase) — US: /ɪn ðə wɜːrdz əv/ | UK: /ɪn ðə wɜːdz əv/

Meaning: Using the exact words spoken by someone. Examples:

• In the words of the coach, “Practice makes perfect.”
• In the words of her grandmother, patience always pays off.

16. As maintained by (Phrase) — US: /æz meɪnˈteɪnd baɪ/ | UK: /æz meɪnˈteɪnd baɪ/

Meaning: Based on a claim that someone continues to support. Examples:

• As maintained by the company, the delay was unavoidable.
• As maintained by the scientist, the results were accurate.

17. On the authority of (Phrase) — US: /ɒn ði ɔːˈθɒrəti əv/ | UK: /ɒn ði ɔːˈθɒrəti əv/

Meaning: Based on the trusted knowledge or word of an expert. Examples:

• On the authority of the doctor, she took a week off.
• On the authority of the historian, the story is true.

18. As confirmed by (Phrase) — US: /æz kənˈfɜːrmd baɪ/ | UK: /æz kənˈfɜːmd baɪ/

Meaning: Based on proof that a fact is true. Examples:

• As confirmed by the lab, the water is safe to drink.
• As confirmed by the officials, the road will reopen soon.

19. As described by (Phrase) — US: /æz dɪˈskraɪbd baɪ/ | UK: /æz dɪˈskraɪbd baɪ/

Meaning: Based on how someone explained or pictured something. Examples:

• As described by the witness, the man wore a blue coat.
• As described by the guidebook, the trail is quite steep.

20. As recorded by (Phrase) — US: /æz rɪˈkɔːrdɪd baɪ/ | UK: /æz rɪˈkɔːdɪd baɪ/

Meaning: Based on written or saved information. Examples:

• As recorded by the census, the town’s population grew.
• As recorded by the diary, the trip lasted two weeks.

21. As documented by (Phrase) — US: /æz ˈdɑːkjəˌmɛntɪd baɪ/ | UK: /æz ˈdɒkjʊmɛntɪd baɪ/

Meaning: Based on official written proof. Examples:

• As documented by the report, the bridge needs repair.
• As documented by the study, exercise improves sleep.

22. As outlined by (Phrase) — US: /æz ˈaʊtˌlaɪnd baɪ/ | UK: /æz ˈaʊtlaɪnd baɪ/

Meaning: Based on a plan or set of points shared by someone. Examples:

• As outlined by the manager, the project has three steps.
• As outlined by the teacher, the test covers two chapters.

23. Consistent with (Phrase) — US: /kənˈsɪstənt wɪð/ | UK: /kənˈsɪstənt wɪð/

Meaning: Matching or agreeing with certain facts or rules. Examples:

• Her story was consistent with the evidence found.
• The results were consistent with earlier tests.

24. As suggested by (Phrase) — US: /æz səˈdʒɛstɪd baɪ/ | UK: /æz səˈdʒɛstɪd baɪ/

Meaning: Based on an idea or hint given by someone. Examples:

• As suggested by the doctor, she drank more water.
• As suggested by the map, they took the shorter path.

25. As told by (Phrase) — US: /æz toʊld baɪ/ | UK: /æz təʊld baɪ/

Meaning: Based on a story or account shared by someone. Examples:

• As told by her grandfather, the town was once a small village.
• As told by the guide, the castle is over 500 years old.

26. On the basis of (Phrase) — US: /ɒn ðə ˈbeɪsɪs əv/ | UK: /ɒn ðə ˈbeɪsɪs əv/

Meaning: Using certain facts as the foundation for a decision or fact. Examples:

• On the basis of the results, the plan was approved.
• On the basis of her grades, she earned the scholarship.

27. As revealed by (Phrase) — US: /æz rɪˈviːld baɪ/ | UK: /æz rɪˈviːld baɪ/

Meaning: Based on a fact that was uncovered or made known. Examples:

• As revealed by the investigation, the machine had a fault.
• As revealed by the survey, most people prefer tea.

28. As declared by (Phrase) — US: /æz dɪˈklɛrd baɪ/ | UK: /æz dɪˈkleəd baɪ/

Meaning: Based on an official or firm statement. Examples:

• As declared by the mayor, the festival is canceled.
• As declared by the judge, the case was closed.

29. As affirmed by (Phrase) — US: /æz əˈfɜːrmd baɪ/ | UK: /æz əˈfɜːmd baɪ/

Meaning: Based on a fact that has been clearly confirmed. Examples:

• As affirmed by the committee, the rules will stay the same.
• As affirmed by the tests, the bridge is safe to use.

30. As per the account of (Phrase) — US: /æz pɜːr ði əˈkaʊnt əv/ | UK: /æz pɜː ði əˈkaʊnt əv/

Meaning: Based on someone’s spoken or written description of events. Examples:

• As per the account of the driver, the road was icy.
• As per the account of the neighbor, the noise started at midnight.

Prototype Meaning

When people hear the word according, especially in the phrase “according to,” they think of information that comes from a clear and named source. Like a person, a report, or an official document. This phrase helps show that a fact is not just a guess, but comes from somewhere trustworthy.

Prototype Categorization

• Simple source phrases: as stated by, as told by, as mentioned by, in the words of
• News and report phrases: as reported by, as documented by, as recorded by, as revealed by
• Rule or guideline phrases: as per, in accordance with, in line with, in keeping with, consistent with
• Proof and evidence phrases: as shown by, as confirmed by, as indicated by, based on, on the basis of
• Opinion or claim phrases: as claimed by, as maintained by, as suggested by, as described by
• Formal or official phrases: on the authority of, as declared by, as affirmed by, as outlined by, going by, judging by, as per the account of, as noted by

Antonyms of According

• Contrary to
• Regardless of
• Despite
• Unrelated to
• Against

Short Questions and Answers

• What does according mean?
• It means as stated by someone, or based on certain information or a source.
• When should according be used?
• Use it, mainly in the phrase “according to,” when showing where a fact or idea comes from.
• Is according positive or negative?
• It is neutral. It simply points to a source of information, without a strong feeling attached.
• How is it different from similar words?
• “Based on” often points to data or facts used to form an idea. “According to” usually points directly to a person or written source that stated the information.

Conclusion

Synonyms for according helps you build a stronger, more precise vocabulary. It strengthens your writing and speaking by giving you many ways to show where information comes from. It also helps you avoid repeating the same phrase again and again. Synonyms for according keeps your writing clearer and more trustworthy. Most importantly, learning new synonyms for according builds your confidence as an English speaker and writer. Try learning one new synonyms for according from this list each day, and watch your vocabulary grow steadily over time.