“According to” is a common phrase used to attribute information to a source or to show that something conforms to a plan, rule, or standard. Because it’s a function phrase rather than an ordinary noun, verb, or adjective, it doesn’t have dozens of interchangeable synonyms the way a word like “happy” or “big” does. Instead, this guide organizes 55 alternatives to “according to” by the specific job the phrase is doing, whether that’s citing a source or describing conformity with something.
Important: Because “according to” is a function phrase rather than a word with a rich set of true synonyms, this list won’t reach the 65-70 alternatives typical of nouns or adjectives. Instead, the alternatives below are grouped by the grammatical and functional role “according to” plays, since that’s more useful than treating it as having ordinary synonyms.
At-a-Glance
| Function | Top Alternatives | Best For | Tone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source Attribution | As reported by, Per, As stated by | Citing sources | Neutral to formal |
| Conformity/Basis | Based on, In line with, In accordance with | Describing agreement with a standard | Formal |
| Proportion/Correlation | Depending on, Relative to, In relation to | Describing proportional relationships | Neutral |
What Does “According To” Mean?
Function 1 — Source Attribution: Used to indicate where a piece of information comes from, as in “according to the report, sales increased.”
Function 2 — Conformity or Basis: Used to show that something matches or follows a plan, rule, or standard, as in “according to schedule.”
Function 3 — Proportion or Correlation: Used to describe a relationship that varies based on something else, as in “pricing according to demand.”
Etymology
“According to” combines “according,” from the verb “accord” (to agree or grant), with the preposition “to.” Its root sense of “agreeing with” or “granting in line with” explains both its attribution use (agreeing with what a source says) and its conformity use (agreeing with a standard or plan).
Connotation
“According to” is neutral and commonly used in both formal and everyday writing. Some alternatives shift the tone: “per” and “pursuant to” feel more formal or legalistic, “going by” and “judging by” feel more casual, and “citing” and “quoting” emphasize direct sourcing.
Alternatives by Function
Source Attribution
As reported by, as stated by, per, as per, as claimed by, as noted by, as observed by, as indicated by, as described by, as quoted by, as documented by, as recorded by, as mentioned by, as disclosed by, in the words of.
Conformity or Basis
In accordance with, in conformity with, in keeping with, in line with, consistent with, based on, going by, judging by, on the basis of, in agreement with, true to, following, in compliance with, in observance of, pursuant to, as dictated by, as required by, as governed by, in step with, as specified by.
Proportion or Correlation
In proportion to, depending on, relative to, corresponding to, in relation to, in ratio to, commensurate with, correlated with, matching, in tune with.
Main Alternatives for “According To”
1. As Reported By
Part of Speech: Prepositional phrase
Meaning: Based on information provided by a news source or publication.
Best Used For: Journalism and news writing.
Example: As reported by the local newspaper, the bridge will close next month.
Nuance: Common in journalistic contexts specifically.
Synonym Strength: Close synonym
2. As Stated By
Part of Speech: Prepositional phrase
Meaning: Based on a direct statement from a person or source.
Best Used For: Citing a specific speaker or document.
Example: As stated by the CEO, the merger will proceed as planned.
Nuance: Emphasizes an explicit, direct statement.
Synonym Strength: Close synonym
3. Per
Part of Speech: Preposition
Meaning: In accordance with, or as stated by.
Best Used For: Business and formal writing.
Example: Per your request, we’ve attached the revised contract.
Nuance: Concise and slightly formal or bureaucratic.
Synonym Strength: Close synonym
4. As Per
Part of Speech: Prepositional phrase
Meaning: In agreement with what has been stated or agreed.
Best Used For: Business or procedural writing.
Example: As per the agreement, payment is due within 30 days.
Nuance: Slightly more formal than “per” alone.
Synonym Strength: Close synonym
5. Based On
Part of Speech: Prepositional phrase
Meaning: Using something as the foundation for a claim or decision.
Best Used For: General, everyday attribution.
Example: Based on the data, sales are expected to rise next quarter.
Nuance: Broad and versatile, less formal than “pursuant to.”
Synonym Strength: Close synonym
6. In Accordance With
Part of Speech: Prepositional phrase
Meaning: In a way that follows or matches a rule, plan, or agreement.
Best Used For: Legal, regulatory, or formal contexts.
Example: The building was constructed in accordance with local codes.
Nuance: Formal, common in legal and regulatory writing.
Synonym Strength: Close synonym
7. In Line With
Part of Speech: Prepositional phrase
Meaning: Consistent or matching with a standard or expectation.
Best Used For: Business and everyday comparisons.
Example: The results are in line with our earlier projections.
Nuance: Slightly more casual than “in accordance with.”
Synonym Strength: Close synonym
8. Consistent With
Part of Speech: Prepositional phrase
Meaning: Matching or not contradicting something else.
Best Used For: Analytical or comparative writing.
Example: These findings are consistent with earlier research.
Nuance: Emphasizes logical or factual agreement.
Synonym Strength: Close synonym
9. Going By
Part of Speech: Prepositional phrase
Meaning: Using something as a guide or basis for judgment.
Best Used For: Casual, conversational writing.
Example: Going by his tone, he wasn’t happy with the results.
Nuance: Informal and conversational.
Synonym Strength: Contextual synonym
10. Judging By
Part of Speech: Prepositional phrase
Meaning: Forming an assessment based on visible evidence.
Best Used For: Informal observations and inferences.
Example: Judging by the reviews, the restaurant is worth a visit.
Nuance: Implies inference rather than direct citation.
Synonym Strength: Contextual synonym
11. In Keeping With
Part of Speech: Prepositional phrase
Meaning: In a manner appropriate or consistent with something.
Best Used For: Describing tradition, style, or expectation.
Example: The decor is in keeping with the building’s historic style.
Nuance: Slightly more traditional or stylistic in tone.
Synonym Strength: Contextual synonym
12. Pursuant To
Part of Speech: Prepositional phrase
Meaning: In accordance with, especially a law, rule, or agreement.
Best Used For: Legal and official documents.
Example: Pursuant to section 12 of the contract, either party may terminate with notice.
Nuance: Highly formal and almost exclusively legal.
Synonym Strength: Contextual synonym
13. As Claimed By
Part of Speech: Prepositional phrase
Meaning: Based on an assertion made by someone, without confirming its truth.
Best Used For: Reporting disputed or unverified claims.
Example: As claimed by the manufacturer, the product is fully biodegradable.
Nuance: Implies some distance or skepticism from the claim.
Synonym Strength: Contextual synonym
14. As Noted By
Part of Speech: Prepositional phrase
Meaning: Based on an observation someone has recorded or mentioned.
Best Used For: Academic or analytical writing.
Example: As noted by the researchers, the sample size was limited.
Nuance: Common in academic citation.
Synonym Strength: Contextual synonym
15. As Indicated By
Part of Speech: Prepositional phrase
Meaning: Based on what something shows or suggests.
Best Used For: Data-driven or evidence-based writing.
Example: As indicated by the chart, revenue peaked in March.
Nuance: Ties the source directly to visual or factual evidence.
Synonym Strength: Contextual synonym
16. In Relation To
Part of Speech: Prepositional phrase
Meaning: Considered in connection with something else.
Best Used For: Comparative or proportional writing.
Example: Prices vary in relation to demand.
Nuance: Focuses on relationship rather than direct citation.
Synonym Strength: Contextual synonym
17. Depending On
Part of Speech: Prepositional phrase
Meaning: Varying based on a particular factor or condition.
Best Used For: Describing variable outcomes.
Example: The price changes depending on the season.
Nuance: Focuses on variability rather than source attribution.
Synonym Strength: Contextual synonym
18. Relative To
Part of Speech: Prepositional phrase
Meaning: In comparison with or in proportion to something else.
Best Used For: Statistical or comparative contexts.
Example: Sales grew relative to the previous quarter.
Nuance: Emphasizes comparison over direct sourcing.
Synonym Strength: Contextual synonym
19. Citing
Part of Speech: Verb (present participle)
Meaning: Referring to a source as evidence or support.
Best Used For: Academic or journalistic writing.
Example: Citing new evidence, the committee reversed its decision.
Nuance: Verb form, requiring different sentence structure.
Synonym Strength: Contextual synonym
20. Quoting
Part of Speech: Verb (present participle)
Meaning: Repeating someone’s exact words as a source.
Best Used For: Direct citation of exact language.
Example: Quoting the mayor, the article outlined the new policy.
Nuance: Implies exact wording rather than paraphrase.
Synonym Strength: Contextual synonym
More Alternatives for “According To” (21-55)
| Alternative | Function | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 21. As described by | Source Attribution | Based on how a source characterizes something |
| 22. As quoted by | Source Attribution | Based on a direct quotation from a source |
| 23. As documented by | Source Attribution | Based on formal, written records |
| 24. As recorded by | Source Attribution | Based on an official or logged record |
| 25. As mentioned by | Source Attribution | Based on a brief reference by a source |
| 26. As disclosed by | Source Attribution | Based on information officially revealed |
| 27. In the words of | Source Attribution | Introduces a direct quotation |
| 28. In conformity with | Conformity/Basis | Formal, matching a rule or requirement |
| 29. On the basis of | Conformity/Basis | Used as the foundation for a decision |
| 30. In agreement with | Conformity/Basis | Matching another’s stated position |
| 31. True to | Conformity/Basis | Faithfully matching a description or standard |
| 32. Following | Conformity/Basis | Adhering to a rule, guide, or instruction |
| 33. In compliance with | Conformity/Basis | Formal, especially legal or regulatory contexts |
| 34. In observance of | Conformity/Basis | Respecting or following a tradition or rule |
| 35. As dictated by | Conformity/Basis | Determined or required by a rule or authority |
| 36. As required by | Conformity/Basis | Mandated by a law, policy, or standard |
| 37. As governed by | Conformity/Basis | Controlled or regulated by a rule |
| 38. In step with | Conformity/Basis | Matching the pace or direction of something |
| 39. As specified by | Conformity/Basis | Matching an exact, stated requirement |
| 40. Corresponding to | Proportion/Correlation | Matching or relating directly to something |
| 41. In ratio to | Proportion/Correlation | Proportional to a specific measure |
| 42. Commensurate with | Proportion/Correlation | Proportionate in size or degree |
| 43. Correlated with | Proportion/Correlation | Statistically or logically connected to |
| 44. Matching | Proportion/Correlation | Equivalent to or aligned with something |
| 45. In tune with | Proportion/Correlation | Idiomatic, aligned with a trend or mood |
| 46. As outlined by | Source Attribution | Based on a summarized plan or explanation |
| 47. As alleged by | Source Attribution | Based on an unproven accusation or claim |
| 48. On the word of | Source Attribution | Idiomatic, relying on someone’s statement |
| 49. On the say-so of | Source Attribution | Informal, relying on someone’s authority |
| 50. By the account of | Source Attribution | Based on someone’s narrative or version |
| 51. Referencing | Source Attribution | Verb form, pointing to a specific source |
| 52. As claimed in | Source Attribution | Based on an assertion made within a document |
| 53. As written by | Source Attribution | Based on the author of a specific text |
| 54. In relation to demand | Proportion/Correlation | Example phrase showing proportional use |
| 55. Contingent on | Proportion/Correlation | Dependent on a specific condition |
Closest, Contextual, and Related Alternatives
| Closest Alternatives | Contextual Alternatives | Related Terms |
|---|---|---|
| As reported by, Per, Based on, As stated by | Pursuant to, In accordance with, As claimed by, Going by | Citing, Quoting, Depending on, Relative to |
Alternatives by Function
| Function | Alternatives |
|---|---|
| Source Attribution | As reported by, As stated by, Per, As per, As claimed by, As noted by, As indicated by, As described by, As quoted by, As documented by, In the words of, Citing, Quoting |
| Conformity/Basis | In accordance with, In conformity with, In keeping with, In line with, Consistent with, Based on, Going by, Judging by, On the basis of, Pursuant to, In compliance with, As required by |
| Proportion/Correlation | In proportion to, Depending on, Relative to, Corresponding to, In relation to, Commensurate with, Correlated with, Matching |
Formal vs. Informal Alternatives
| Formal | Informal |
|---|---|
| Pursuant to, In compliance with, As disclosed by, As dictated by | Going by, Judging by, On the word of, On the say-so of |
According To vs Based On
“According to” typically attributes a specific claim to a named source, while “based on” more broadly describes something built or founded upon information, evidence, or a decision.
According To vs Per
“Per” is a more concise, often formal or business-oriented substitute for “according to,” commonly used in emails, contracts, and instructions.
According To vs Depending On
“According to” attributes information to a source, while “depending on” describes how an outcome varies based on a condition or factor.
Opposite Relationships to “According To”
| Concept | Opposite Relationship |
|---|---|
| Contradicting a source | Contrary to, In contradiction to, Despite, Regardless of |
| Independence from a source | Independent of, Irrespective of, Without reference to |
Words Related But Not Exact Synonyms
- Source — the origin of information, not the phrase attributing it
- Citation — a formal reference, related but more specific and structured
- Attribution — the general act of crediting a source
- Compliance — following a rule, related to but broader than “according to”
- Reference — a general pointer to information, not always an attribution
Words Related
Source, citation, attribution, reference, compliance, conformity, proportion, correlation, basis, standard.
Common Collocations
According to reports, according to research, according to sources, according to plan, according to the data, according to a new study, according to experts, according to the manual, according to statistics, according to legend.
How to Choose the Right Alternative
Use “as reported by” or “as stated by” for journalistic or direct citations, and “per” or “pursuant to” for formal, business, or legal writing. When describing conformity, “in accordance with” and “in line with” both work well, with the former being more formal. For proportional relationships, “depending on” and “relative to” are the clearest choices.
Common Mistakes
Avoid overusing “according to” at the start of every sentence when citing multiple sources — vary with “as noted by,” “as stated by,” or “per” to keep writing from feeling repetitive. Also, be careful not to use “according to” when you mean “depending on,” since the two serve different grammatical functions. Finally, “per” can sound overly formal or bureaucratic in casual writing, so reserve it for professional contexts.
Read: Synonyms for Death
Read: Synonyms for Despite
Read: Synonyms for Dumb
Read: Synonyms for Events
Read: Synonyms for Team
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best synonym for “according to”?
“As reported by,” “as stated by,” and “per” are among the most versatile alternatives, depending on formality.
What’s a formal synonym for “according to”?
“Pursuant to” and “in accordance with” are especially formal, common in legal and official writing.
What’s a casual synonym for “according to”?
“Going by” and “judging by” work well in casual, conversational writing.
Is “per” the same as “according to”?
They’re very close in meaning, though “per” tends to feel more concise and businesslike, while “according to” is more neutral and general-purpose.
What is a synonym for “according to” showing proportion?
“Depending on,” “relative to,” and “in proportion to” all express this proportional relationship.
Conclusion
Whether you’re citing a source, describing conformity with a plan, or expressing a proportional relationship, “according to” has a range of alternatives suited to each purpose. With these 55 options organized by function, your writing can stay precise and varied, no matter how often you need to attribute information.
