Quick Answer: The best synonyms for according to include based on, as stated by, as reported by, in accordance with, in line with, as per, pursuant to, under, from the view of, and depending on. Use as stated by when naming a source, based on when using evidence, in accordance with for rules or standards, pursuant to in legal writing, in line with for agreement, and depending on when the meaning is linked to condition, type, level, or amount.
Pronunciation and Word Details
Word: According to.
Pronunciation: /əˈkɔːr.dɪŋ tuː/.
Part of Speech: Prepositional phrase.
Meaning: According to means as stated by a source, as shown by information, or in agreement with a rule, fact, opinion, or condition.
US Pronunciation:
UK Pronunciation:
What Does “According To” Mean?
According to means based on what someone says, what information shows, or what a rule, source, or condition states.
The phrase according to is a prepositional phrase. It usually introduces the source of information, such as a person, report, rule, study, statement, instruction, belief, or system.
It can also show agreement with something. For example, “according to the rules” means “in agreement with the rules.” In another context, “sorted according to size” means “arranged by size.”
The phrase works in many sentence contexts, especially when writers want to mention source attribution, evidence, rules, standards, opinions, instructions, data, or classification.
Meaning, Tone, and Context of “According To”
According to has a neutral, clear, informative, and source based tone. It is common in academic writing, news style writing, reports, essays, instructions, grammar explanations, legal documents, and everyday conversation.
The phrase is useful when you want to avoid sounding like you are making a claim without support. It tells the reader where the information comes from.
In formal writing, according to often introduces an authority, rule, or document. In casual speech, it can introduce what someone said or believed. In technical or instructional writing, it can explain how something is organized, measured, or decided.
When and How to Use “According To”
For Source Attribution: Use according to when you want to show where information comes from.
Example: According to the teacher, the assignment is due tomorrow.
For Evidence: Use according to when the sentence depends on facts, records, results, or data.
Example: According to the results, most students improved their scores.
For Rules: Use according to when something follows a rule, policy, instruction, or standard.
Example: According to the guidelines, each answer must be clear and complete.
For Opinion: Use according to when you are reporting someone else’s belief or view.
Example: According to many readers, the ending feels surprising.
For Classification: Use according to when things are arranged by type, level, size, age, order, or condition.
Example: The files were organized according to date.
For Conditions: Use according to when the meaning is close to depending on.
Example: Payment changes according to experience and skill level.
Best Synonyms for According To
Synonym: Based on.
Meaning: Using something as evidence, reason, or support.
Example: Based on the report, the plan needs improvement.
Synonym: As stated by.
Meaning: As said or written by a source.
Example: As stated by the instructor, the test will cover three chapters.
Synonym: As reported by.
Meaning: As given or presented by a report or source.
Example: As reported by the committee, the project is almost complete.
Synonym: In accordance with.
Meaning: In agreement with a rule, law, instruction, or standard.
Example: The work was completed in accordance with the safety rules.
Synonym: In line with.
Meaning: Matching or agreeing with something.
Example: The decision is in line with the new policy.
Synonym: As per.
Meaning: According to or in agreement with a request, rule, or instruction.
Example: As per your instructions, the document has been updated.
Synonym: Pursuant to.
Meaning: According to a law, rule, order, or formal requirement.
Example: Pursuant to the agreement, payment must be made within ten days.
Synonym: Under.
Meaning: According to a rule, system, law, or condition.
Example: Under the new policy, all forms must be signed.
Synonym: From the view of.
Meaning: According to a person’s opinion or perspective.
Example: From the view of many experts, the method is practical.
Synonym: Depending on.
Meaning: Changing according to a condition, situation, level, or amount.
Example: The price may change depending on the material used.
50 Synonyms for According To with Short Meanings
- Based on: Supported by information or evidence.
- As stated by: As said or written by a source.
- As reported by: As given in a report or account.
- As said by: As spoken by someone.
- As explained by: As clarified by a person or source.
- As noted by: As mentioned or observed by someone.
- As described by: As presented in words by a source.
- As mentioned by: As briefly stated by someone.
- As claimed by: As stated by someone, especially when not fully proven.
- As written by: As recorded in written form.
- As recorded by: As officially or clearly written down.
- As indicated by: As shown or suggested by something.
- As shown by: As made clear through evidence.
- As revealed by: As made known by information.
- As confirmed by: As verified by a source or result.
- As suggested by: As implied or recommended by information.
- In accordance with: In agreement with rules or instructions.
- In line with: Matching or agreeing with something.
- In agreement with: Consistent with a rule, view, or fact.
- Consistent with: Not conflicting with evidence or expectations.
- In keeping with: Matching a standard, tradition, or idea.
- In compliance with: Following rules, laws, or requirements.
- Following: Acting according to guidance or order.
- Under: According to a system, law, or condition.
- Per: According to a rule, rate, request, or instruction.
- As per: According to a request, rule, or instruction.
- Pursuant to: According to a legal rule or formal order.
- Subject to: Depending on or controlled by a condition.
- As required by: As demanded by a rule or instruction.
- As directed by: As ordered or guided by someone.
- As guided by: Following advice, rules, or direction.
- By: According to a method, rule, or standard.
- From: According to the point of view or source.
- In the view of: According to someone’s opinion.
- In the opinion of: According to what someone believes.
- From the perspective of: According to a viewpoint.
- In the words of: Using what someone said.
- By the account of: According to someone’s version of events.
- As understood by: According to how someone interprets something.
- As interpreted by: According to someone’s explanation or reading.
- As defined by: According to a given definition.
- As set out by: According to written rules or details.
- As outlined by: According to a summary or plan.
- As presented by: According to how something is shown.
- As listed by: According to a list or record.
- As measured by: According to measurement or data.
- As calculated by: According to a calculation.
- Depending on: Varying by condition or situation.
- In proportion to: Changing according to amount, size, or level.
- In relation to: Connected with or measured against something.
Read Also:
Synonyms for Evil
Synonyms for According To by Context
When According To Means As Stated By a Source
Use these alternatives when you want to name the person, document, report, speaker, or authority behind the information.
Synonyms: As stated by, as said by, as reported by, as written by, as noted by.
Example: As stated by the manager, the meeting will begin at noon.
Example: As reported by the team, the first stage is complete.
When According To Means Based On Evidence
Use these options when the sentence relies on facts, results, numbers, records, or data.
Synonyms: Based on, as shown by, as indicated by, as confirmed by, as revealed by.
Example: Based on the results, the new method is more effective.
Example: As shown by the data, the pattern is easy to identify.
When According To Means Following Rules
Use these alternatives when writing about rules, policies, laws, instructions, standards, or requirements.
Synonyms: In accordance with, in compliance with, pursuant to, under, as required by.
Example: The form was completed in accordance with the instructions.
Example: Under the policy, every request must be reviewed.
When According To Means In Agreement With
Use these words when something matches an idea, plan, standard, belief, or expectation.
Synonyms: In line with, consistent with, in agreement with, in keeping with.
Example: The final decision is in line with the original plan.
Example: His answer is consistent with the available facts.
When According To Means Depending On
Use these alternatives when something changes by condition, level, amount, size, type, time, age, or situation.
Synonyms: Depending on, subject to, in proportion to, in relation to, by.
Example: The fee changes depending on the service required.
Example: Students were grouped by age and skill level.
Another Word for According To
Another word for according to is based on. It is often the best single replacement when the sentence refers to evidence, facts, results, or information. However, the best alternative depends on context. Use as stated by for a source, in accordance with for rules, in line with for agreement, and depending on for conditions.
Original: According to the report, the number increased this year.
Better Option: Based on the report, the number increased this year.
Original: According to the teacher, the lesson will continue tomorrow.
Better Option: As stated by the teacher, the lesson will continue tomorrow.
Original: According to the rules, late forms are not accepted.
Better Option: In accordance with the rules, late forms are not accepted.
Original: The price changes according to the package size.
Better Option: The price changes depending on the package size.
When Not to Use “According To”
Do not use according to when you are giving your own opinion. In natural English, “according to me” often sounds awkward. Use in my opinion or I think instead.
Do not use according to too many times in one paragraph. Repetition makes writing sound flat. Replace it with based on, as stated by, in line with, under, or depending on when the context allows.
Avoid using according to when you do not mention a clear source, rule, standard, or condition. The phrase should point to something specific.
Weak: According to me, this answer is better.
Better: In my opinion, this answer is better.
Weak: According to the weather, we may stay inside.
Better: Depending on the weather, we may stay inside.
Weak: According to the size, arrange the boxes.
Better: Arrange the boxes by size.
Weak: According to the rule, according to the teacher, according to the notice, the class is canceled.
Better: As stated by the teacher and the notice, the class is canceled under the rule.
Weak: According to his anger, he spoke loudly.
Better: Because of his anger, he spoke loudly.
Words Commonly Confused With According To
According To vs Based On: According to often names a source, while based on focuses on evidence, reason, or support.
According To vs As Per: According to is more natural in general writing. As per is more formal and often used for instructions, requests, or business style communication.
According To vs In Accordance With: According to can refer to a source, opinion, rule, or condition. In accordance with mainly means following a rule, law, standard, or instruction.
According To vs Pursuant To: According to is common and flexible. Pursuant to is legal or highly formal.
According To vs Depending On: According to can introduce a source or rule. Depending on shows that something changes because of a condition.
According To vs In My Opinion: According to reports someone else’s view. In my opinion introduces your own view.
According To vs Under: According to can refer to many types of sources. Under usually refers to rules, laws, systems, policies, or conditions.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Choose as stated by when you want to mention what a person, teacher, speaker, or document says.
Choose as reported by when the information comes from a report, record, update, or official account.
Choose based on when writing about evidence, facts, data, findings, results, or observations.
Choose in accordance with when writing about rules, standards, procedures, or instructions.
Choose in compliance with when the meaning involves obeying rules, laws, or requirements.
Choose pursuant to when writing in a legal or formal context.
Choose in line with when something agrees with a policy, idea, trend, or expectation.
Choose consistent with when something does not conflict with facts, results, or previous information.
Choose depending on when something changes because of a condition, situation, amount, or type.
Choose by when sorting, arranging, ranking, or measuring something by a category.
Real Life Examples of “According To” in Sentences
Original: According to the instructions, the form must be signed.
Better Option: In accordance with the instructions, the form must be signed.
Original: According to the report, sales improved this month.
Better Option: Based on the report, sales improved this month.
Original: According to the manager, the office will close early.
Better Option: As stated by the manager, the office will close early.
Original: The seats were arranged according to number.
Better Option: The seats were arranged by number.
Original: According to the rules, every player gets one turn.
Better Option: Under the rules, every player gets one turn.
Original: According to the data, the change was successful.
Better Option: As shown by the data, the change was successful.
Original: The cost changes according to the distance.
Better Option: The cost changes depending on the distance.
Original: According to his opinion, the plan is risky.
Better Option: In his opinion, the plan is risky.
Original: According to the agreement, payment is due today.
Better Option: Pursuant to the agreement, payment is due today.
Original: According to the schedule, the event starts at nine.
Better Option: As listed on the schedule, the event starts at nine.
Synonym Groups and Usage Differences
Source Attribution Group
This group is used when the sentence tells readers where the information comes from.
Synonyms: As stated by, as said by, as reported by, as noted by, as written by.
Example: As noted by the instructor, the final answer must include examples.
Evidence Group
This group is best when information comes from facts, data, records, results, or observations.
Synonyms: Based on, as shown by, as indicated by, as confirmed by, as revealed by.
Example: Based on the results, the second method is more reliable.
Rule and Standard Group
This group works when something follows a rule, law, instruction, agreement, or requirement.
Synonyms: In accordance with, under, pursuant to, in compliance with, as required by.
Example: The process was completed in compliance with the guidelines.
Agreement Group
This group shows that something matches, supports, or agrees with another idea.
Synonyms: In line with, consistent with, in agreement with, in keeping with.
Example: The recommendation is consistent with the evidence.
Viewpoint Group
This group introduces an opinion, belief, interpretation, or perspective.
Synonyms: In the view of, in the opinion of, from the perspective of, as interpreted by.
Example: From the perspective of many learners, the rule is confusing at first.
Condition and Classification Group
This group is used when something changes, is arranged, or is measured by a condition or category.
Synonyms: Depending on, subject to, by, in proportion to, in relation to.
Example: The books were arranged by topic and reading level.
Antonyms of According To
Antonyms of according to depend on whether the phrase means based on a source, following a rule, agreeing with evidence, or depending on a condition.
Contrary to: Opposite to what something says or shows.
Against: Not following a rule, idea, or instruction.
Despite: Happening even though something else exists.
Regardless of: Without being affected by something.
Independent of: Not based on or controlled by something.
Without regard to: Not considering something.
In conflict with: Not agreeing with something.
Not based on: Lacking support from evidence or source information.
Outside of: Not within a rule, system, or condition.
Unrelated to: Not connected with the stated source or condition.
Comparison: According To vs Related Words
According To vs Based On
According to often introduces a source, while based on focuses on the reason or evidence behind a statement.
Example With According To: According to the teacher, the lesson is important.
Example With Based On: Based on the lesson, the topic is important.
According To vs As Stated By
According to is general and flexible. As stated by is clearer when you want to emphasize the exact speaker or written source.
Example With According To: According to the notice, the room is closed.
Example With As Stated By: As stated by the notice, the room is closed.
According To vs In Accordance With
According to can refer to sources, opinions, rules, or conditions. In accordance with mainly means following a rule, standard, or instruction.
Example With According To: According to the policy, all files must be saved.
Example With In Accordance With: In accordance with the policy, all files must be saved.
According To vs As Per
According to sounds more natural in everyday and academic writing. As per sounds more formal and is often used for instructions or requests.
Example With According To: According to your instructions, I corrected the paragraph.
Example With As Per: As per your instructions, I corrected the paragraph.
According To vs Pursuant To
According to is common and easy to understand. Pursuant to is formal and mainly used in legal or official contexts.
Example With According To: According to the agreement, the fee is due Friday.
Example With Pursuant To: Pursuant to the agreement, the fee is due Friday.
According To vs Depending On
According to can introduce a source or rule. Depending on means something changes because of a condition.
Example With According To: According to the timetable, the class starts at ten.
Example With Depending On: The class length changes depending on the topic.
According To vs In My Opinion
According to usually reports someone else’s information or view. In my opinion introduces your own belief.
Example With According To: According to the writer, the character changes in the final chapter.
Example With In My Opinion: In my opinion, the character changes in the final chapter.
Common Phrases and Expressions With According To
According To The Report: As stated in a report.
According To The Rules: In agreement with the rules.
According To The Law: As required or stated by law.
According To The Data: As shown by information or numbers.
According To The Schedule: As listed in a planned time order.
According To Experts: As stated by people with knowledge in a field.
According To Plan: In the way that was planned.
According To Size: Arranged or measured by size.
According To Age: Divided, ranked, or organized by age.
According To Need: Based on what is needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is using according to for personal opinion. Instead of “according to me,” use in my opinion, I think, or from my point of view.
Another mistake is using according to when depending on is more accurate. If something changes because of a condition, depending on often sounds better.
Writers also overuse according to in reports and essays. Repeating the same phrase makes writing less smooth. Use alternatives like based on, as stated by, as shown by, in line with, and under.
Avoid using according to without a clear source. A sentence should make it clear who said it, what shows it, or which rule supports it.
Also be careful with as per. It can sound stiff in simple writing. Use it only when the formal tone fits the context.
Conclusion
The keyword synonyms for according to includes many useful alternatives, but the right choice depends on meaning. Use as stated by for sources, based on for evidence, in accordance with for rules, in line with for agreement, pursuant to for legal writing, and depending on for conditions. Choosing the correct phrase makes your writing clearer, smoother, and more accurate. Instead of repeating according to, select the alternative that best fits your sentence purpose.
FAQs About Synonyms for According To
What is the best synonym for according to?
The best general synonym for according to is based on when the sentence refers to evidence, information, or results. For a person or source, as stated by is often better.
What is a formal synonym for according to?
A formal synonym for according to is in accordance with when referring to rules or standards. In legal writing, pursuant to is also a formal option.
Can I use based on instead of according to?
Yes, you can use based on instead of according to when the sentence depends on evidence, facts, data, or information. It is not always the best choice for quoting a person.
Is as per the same as according to?
As per can mean according to, especially with instructions, requests, or rules. However, it often sounds more formal or stiff than according to.
What should I use instead of according to me?
Use in my opinion, I think, or from my point of view instead of according to me. These options sound more natural.
What is another word for according to the rules?
Another phrase for according to the rules is in accordance with the rules. You can also use under the rules or as required by the rules.
What is a simple synonym for according to?
A simple synonym for according to is based on. Other easy options include as said by, as stated by, and under, depending on the sentence
