The best synonym for “according” depends on how you use it in a sentence. Common alternatives include consistent with, in agreement with, as stated by, based on, in line with, and as reported by. However, these expressions are not interchangeable in every situation. For example, “according to the report” identifies a source, while “in accordance with the rules” means following a rule or requirement. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right word or phrase for academic essays, professional emails, formal documents, and everyday conversations. This guide explains the most useful alternatives to “according,” with meanings, examples, and practical usage tips.
What Does “According” Mean?
According is most commonly used in the expression “according to,” which introduces information from a source or describes something based on a particular rule, opinion, or set of facts.
In simple English, “according to” means as stated by someone, as reported by a source, or in agreement with a particular standard or instruction.
Part of speech: “According” is the -ing form of the verb “accord,” but in the fixed expression “according to,” it functions as part of a prepositional phrase.
Examples of “According to”
- According to the teacher, the assignment is due on Friday.
- According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
- The project was completed according to the original plan.
- According to recent reports, the company is expanding.
Notice that the meaning changes slightly with context. In the first two examples, “according to” introduces a source of information. In the third, it indicates conformity with a plan.
25 Best Synonyms for “According” With Meanings and Examples
The following alternatives are useful in different contexts. Some replace the entire phrase “according to,” while others replace “according to” when it expresses conformity with a rule or standard.
1. As Stated By
Meaning: According to information or an opinion expressed by a particular person or source.
This phrase works well when reporting someone’s words or position.
Example: As stated by the principal, all students must attend the meeting.
Best for: Academic writing, official statements, and reports.
2. As Reported By
Meaning: Based on information published or communicated by a source.
Use it when referring to news, research findings, or reported events.
Example: As reported by the newspaper, the new library will open next month.
Best for: Journalism, research, and factual reporting.
3. As Per
Meaning: In accordance with or as specified by something.
“As per” is common in business and administrative communication, although “according to” or “in accordance with” may sound more natural in many sentences.
Example: As per your request, I have attached the revised document.
Best for: Business emails, instructions, and administrative writing.
4. In Accordance With
Meaning: Following a rule, policy, agreement, or established standard.
This is one of the strongest alternatives when “according to” means that something follows a requirement.
Example: The procedure was completed in accordance with company policy.
Best for: Legal, formal, academic, and professional writing.
5. Consistent With
Meaning: In agreement with existing information, evidence, expectations, or principles.
Example: The results are consistent with the findings of earlier studies.
Best for: Academic essays, research papers, and analytical writing.
6. In Line With
Meaning: In agreement with a plan, policy, expectation, or general direction.
Example: The new strategy is in line with the organization’s long-term goals.
Best for: Business communication and professional discussions.
7. Based On
Meaning: Using something as the foundation for a decision, conclusion, or explanation.
This is a useful alternative when “according to” refers to the information behind a judgment.
Example: Based on the available evidence, the team decided to revise its approach.
Best for: Reports, analysis, and evidence-based arguments.
8. As Indicated By
Meaning: As suggested or shown by particular information or evidence.
Example: As indicated by the survey, customers prefer the simpler design.
Best for: Research, presentations, and analytical writing.
9. As Suggested By
Meaning: Following or reflecting a recommendation or idea from someone or something.
Example: As suggested by the supervisor, we added more examples to the report.
Best for: Academic and workplace communication.
10. As Explained By
Meaning: In the way someone has described or clarified something.
Example: As explained by the instructor, the final question requires a detailed answer.
Best for: Educational writing, explanations, and discussions.
11. As Mentioned By
Meaning: As previously referred to or brought up by someone.
Example: As mentioned by the manager, the office will remain closed on Monday.
Best for: Emails, meetings, and summaries.
12. As Noted By
Meaning: As observed, recorded, or pointed out by a person or source.
Example: As noted by the researcher, the sample size was relatively small.
Best for: Academic papers, reports, and formal discussions.
13. As Observed By
Meaning: Based on something noticed or identified by an observer.
Example: As observed by the examiner, several answers needed further explanation.
Best for: Research, scientific writing, and evaluations.
14. In Agreement With
Meaning: Sharing the same opinion or matching an established position.
Example: Her conclusion is in agreement with the results of the experiment.
Best for: Academic arguments and discussions of opinions or findings.
15. In Keeping With
Meaning: Appropriate for or consistent with a tradition, principle, style, or expectation.
Example: The ceremony was conducted in keeping with local traditions.
Best for: Formal writing, cultural topics, and descriptive passages.
16. In Compliance With
Meaning: Meeting the requirements of a law, regulation, rule, or policy.
Example: The company updated its procedures in compliance with safety regulations.
Best for: Legal, regulatory, and corporate writing.
Important distinction: Compliance usually emphasizes meeting an obligation, whereas “according to” may simply introduce information or describe a procedure.
17. Pursuant To
Meaning: In accordance with or as authorized or required by a law, order, or formal agreement.
Example: Pursuant to the agreement, both parties submitted their documents.
Best for: Legal documents and highly formal administrative writing.
This expression is considerably more formal than “according to.”
18. Under
Meaning: In accordance with the authority, provisions, or terms of something.
Example: Under the new policy, employees must complete annual training.
Best for: Policies, laws, rules, and agreements.
19. As Outlined In
Meaning: As described or set out in a document, plan, or proposal.
Example: As outlined in the proposal, the project has three main stages.
Best for: Business reports, project plans, and academic documents.
20. As Described By
Meaning: In the way a person or source has characterized something.
Example: As described by the author, the town was peaceful and welcoming.
Best for: Literature, summaries, reports, and descriptive writing.
21. As Confirmed By
Meaning: Supported or verified by a person, document, or source.
Example: As confirmed by the official notice, the examination will begin at 9 a.m.
Best for: Formal announcements and verified information.
22. As Demonstrated By
Meaning: As shown clearly through evidence, examples, or results.
Example: As demonstrated by the experiment, temperature affects the reaction rate.
Best for: Scientific writing, academic essays, and presentations.
23. As Reflected In
Meaning: As shown or represented in data, records, opinions, or results.
Example: As reflected in the annual report, operating costs increased this year.
Best for: Business analysis, statistics, and research.
24. As Specified By
Meaning: As explicitly stated or defined by a person, document, or authority.
Example: The equipment must be stored as specified by the manufacturer.
Best for: Technical instructions, contracts, and formal requirements.
25. As Determined By
Meaning: Based on the factors, rules, or decisions that establish an outcome.
Example: Eligibility will be determined by the selection committee.
Best for: Policies, procedures, assessments, and official decisions.
Best Synonyms for “According” by Context
Choosing the right alternative depends on what you want to communicate. The following table makes the differences easier to understand.
| Context | Best alternative | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Citing a person | As stated by | As stated by the teacher, the test is postponed. |
| Reporting news | As reported by | As reported by the media, the event was successful. |
| Following rules | In accordance with | The work was completed in accordance with the guidelines. |
| Following regulations | In compliance with | The company operates in compliance with regulations. |
| Matching evidence | Consistent with | The results are consistent with earlier research. |
| Supporting a decision | Based on | Based on the evidence, we changed our conclusion. |
| Following a plan | In line with | The proposal is in line with our objectives. |
| Referring to a document | As outlined in | As outlined in the contract, payment is due monthly. |
| Citing a recommendation | As suggested by | As suggested by the editor, the introduction was shortened. |
| Referring to legal authority | Pursuant to | Pursuant to the order, the documents were submitted. |
Remember that these are contextual alternatives, not exact replacements in every sentence.
Formal Synonyms for “According” in Academic and Professional Writing
If you are writing an essay, research paper, report, or professional email, some alternatives sound more precise than others.
Best formal alternatives
- In accordance with: Use when an action follows a rule, policy, or standard.
- Consistent with: Use when evidence or findings agree with previous information.
- As indicated by: Use when data or evidence points toward a conclusion.
- As reported by: Use when attributing information to a publication or source.
- As outlined in: Use when referring to a plan or document.
- In compliance with: Use when emphasizing adherence to requirements.
- As demonstrated by: Use when evidence clearly illustrates a point.
Academic examples
Original: According to the study, regular practice improved performance.
Alternative: As reported in the study, regular practice improved performance.
Original: According to the evidence, the conclusion is reasonable.
Alternative: The conclusion is consistent with the available evidence.
Original: According to the guidelines, the paper must include a conclusion.
Alternative: In accordance with the guidelines, the paper must include a conclusion.
The best choice depends on the intended meaning. In academic writing, “according to the study” is already correct and natural. You do not need to replace it simply to sound more formal.
Alternatives to “According To” in Everyday English
For casual conversations, emails, and ordinary writing, simple phrases are often clearer than formal expressions.
| Alternative | Example |
|---|---|
| From what someone says | From what Sarah says, the shop closes early. |
| As someone says | As my brother says, practice makes progress. |
| Based on | Based on the forecast, we should take an umbrella. |
| As I understand it | As I understand it, the meeting starts at noon. |
| From what I hear | From what I hear, the new restaurant is popular. |
| In someone’s opinion | In my opinion, this option is more practical. |
These expressions have different meanings and levels of certainty. For instance, “from what I hear” suggests secondhand information, while “in my opinion” explicitly identifies a personal viewpoint.
How to Choose the Right Synonym for “According”
Use these practical guidelines to avoid choosing an alternative that changes your meaning.
1. Identify the source of information
If you are referring to a person, article, report, or study, choose a source-based expression.
- According to the professor → As stated by the professor
- According to the report → As reported in the report
- According to the survey → As indicated by the survey
2. Determine whether you mean following a rule
If the sentence describes compliance with instructions, regulations, or requirements, use a phrase that expresses conformity.
- According to the rules → In accordance with the rules
- According to safety regulations → In compliance with safety regulations
3. Check whether you mean evidence or reasoning
When explaining why a conclusion makes sense, use “based on,” “consistent with,” or “as demonstrated by,” depending on the sentence.
- According to the available evidence, the claim is unlikely.
- Based on the available evidence, the claim is unlikely.
The second sentence emphasizes the evidence used to reach a conclusion.
4. Match the tone to your audience
For everyday communication, “according to” and “based on” are usually clear and natural. In legal or administrative documents, “pursuant to” and “in compliance with” may be appropriate when their precise meanings fit.
Avoid replacing familiar expressions with complicated phrases merely to make your writing appear sophisticated.
Common Mistakes When Using “According” and Its Synonyms
Mistake 1: Using “according” without “to”
Incorrect: According the teacher, the assignment is easy.
Correct: According to the teacher, the assignment is easy.
Why: In this meaning, the standard expression is “according to,” not simply “according.”
Mistake 2: Confusing “according to” with “based on”
Incorrect: According to my calculations, I decided to change the method. (If you mean the calculations were the basis for your decision, this wording is less precise.)
Better: Based on my calculations, I decided to change the method.
Why: “According to” commonly introduces a source or stated position. “Based on” emphasizes the information used to make a decision.
Mistake 3: Using “in compliance with” for an opinion
Incorrect: In compliance with my opinion, the movie was excellent.
Correct: In my opinion, the movie was excellent.
Why: “In compliance with” concerns meeting requirements, not expressing personal views.
Mistake 4: Treating every alternative as interchangeable
Original: According to the witness, the car was blue.
Possible alternative: As stated by the witness, the car was blue.
Less suitable: In compliance with the witness, the car was blue.
Why: The final sentence changes the meaning and is unnatural. Compliance concerns rules or obligations, not reporting someone’s statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best synonym for “according”?
The best alternative depends on the sentence. “As stated by” works when citing a person, “based on” emphasizes supporting information, and “in accordance with” describes following a rule or standard.
2. What is another word for “according to”?
Useful alternatives include “as stated by,” “as reported by,” “as indicated by,” “based on,” and “in line with.” Choose one that preserves the original meaning.
3. Is “as per” a synonym for “according to”?
Yes, in many contexts. “As per” can mean “according to” or “in accordance with,” especially in business and administrative communication. However, it can sound unnecessarily formal in everyday writing.
4. What is a formal way to say “according to”?
“In accordance with” is suitable when discussing rules or requirements. “As reported by” works when citing a source, while “as indicated by” is useful when discussing evidence or data.
5. What is the difference between “according to” and “in accordance with”?
“According to” often introduces a source of information, such as a person or report. “In accordance with” means following a rule, policy, agreement, or standard.
For example:
- According to the report, sales increased.
- In accordance with company policy, employees must wear identification badges.
6. Can I use “based on” instead of “according to”?
Sometimes. “Based on” is appropriate when information serves as the foundation for a decision, conclusion, or judgment. “According to” is generally better when attributing a statement directly to a source.
Conclusion
The best synonym for “according” depends on whether you are citing a source, discussing evidence, expressing an opinion, or describing compliance with a rule. Use “as stated by” for someone’s words, “based on” for reasoning, “consistent with” for agreement with evidence, and “in accordance with” for following established requirements. In everyday writing, “according to” remains a clear and perfectly acceptable choice. Focus on preserving meaning rather than replacing familiar words with unnecessarily formal alternatives, and your writing will become more precise, natural, and effective.
