Synonyms of According to: 30 Alternatives and When to Use Them

Synonyms of according to help you refer to sources, authority, or alignment, such as as stated by, in the words of, or based on. For example, according to the report, sales increased by 20% this quarter. Using the right synonym of according to lets you cite information, show agreement, or attribute ideas more effectively. Each phrase slightly changes the tone, from formal to conversational.

If you’re quoting a study, aligning with a viewpoint, or citing rules, choosing the perfect synonym for according to helps you sound polished and accurate.

In this article, you’ll get the meaning and example sentence for each synonym of according to, so you can report information with confidence. Ready to quote like a pro? Let’s dive in!

What Does According to Mean?

According to is a phrase used to cite or refer to a source of information, an authority, or someone’s viewpoint. It signals that the upcoming statement is based on what someone else has said, written, or believed.

It’s often neutral and modest, not claiming the speaker’s own opinion but rather relaying others’ views.
It helps keep writing or speech objective, respectful, and clear.
It can imply trust or deference to the authority or source cited.

Because it’s so common and useful, sometimes you want to spice up your writing or sound a bit more formal, casual, or precise — which is where synonyms come in.

30 Synonyms of According to and When to Use Them

Here are 30 alternatives to according to, each with a brief explanation, example, and usage tip to help you pick the best fit for your tone and context.

1. As stated by

Meaning: Highlights a clear statement from a source.
Example: As stated by the CEO, the project deadline is next Friday.
When to use: Formal or business contexts emphasizing direct statements.

2. As reported by

Meaning: Used when information is from news or media.
Example: As reported by the news agency, the storm caused widespread damage.
When to use: When citing journalistic or media sources.

3. As per

Meaning: Formal, often used in legal or official documents.
Example: As per the contract, payment is due within 30 days.
When to use: Official or legal writing requiring precision.

4. In the words of

Meaning: Emphasizes quoting someone’s exact phrasing.
Example: In the words of Dr. Smith, “Prevention is better than cure.”
When to use: When quoting literally or highlighting someone’s style.

5. Based on

Meaning: Indicates information derived from evidence or sources.
Example: Based on recent studies, the vaccine is effective.
When to use: Scientific or research contexts.

6. In accordance with

Meaning: Formal, showing conformity with rules or guidelines.
Example: In accordance with company policy, all employees must attend training.
When to use: Legal, corporate, or formal compliance contexts.

7. Per

Meaning: Short and formal, often in business or data contexts.
Example: Per the report, sales increased by 15%.
When to use: Formal reports or emails, concise attribution.

8. As claimed by

Meaning: Implies that the information is someone’s assertion.
Example: As claimed by the inventor, this device saves energy.
When to use: When the truth of the statement might be questioned.

9. As revealed by

Meaning: Indicates information that was uncovered or made known.
Example: As revealed by the investigation, the company violated regulations.
When to use: For discoveries or exposés.

10. As indicated by

Meaning: Points to evidence or signs shown by the source.
Example: As indicated by the data, customer satisfaction is rising.
When to use: Analytical or scientific contexts.

11. In line with

Meaning: Shows agreement or consistency with something.
Example: In line with your request, we have updated the document.
When to use: Polite, cooperative communication.

12. In the opinion of

Meaning: Highlights a subjective viewpoint.
Example: In the opinion of many experts, this approach is outdated.
When to use: Expressing personal or expert views.

13. As documented by

Meaning: Refers to officially recorded information.
Example: As documented by the archive, the treaty was signed in 1920.
When to use: Historical or official records.

14. According as

Meaning: Similar to “according to,” less common, more literary.
Example: According as the law prescribes, the property is taxed.
When to use: Formal or literary writing.

15. By the account of

Meaning: Refers to someone’s report or story.
Example: By the account of witnesses, the accident was sudden.
When to use: Narrative or eyewitness contexts.

16. On the authority of

Meaning: Indicates trust in an authoritative source.
Example: On the authority of the principal, exams will be postponed.
When to use: When emphasizing official backing.

17. As per the statement of

Meaning: Formal phrase for referring to a direct statement.
Example: As per the statement of the manager, the office will close early.
When to use: Formal or official communication.

18. As narrated by

Meaning: Used for storytelling or recounting events.
Example: As narrated by the historian, the battle lasted three days.
When to use: Storytelling or historical context.

19. In keeping with

Meaning: Conforms with tradition, policy, or style.
Example: In keeping with tradition, the ceremony started at dawn.
When to use: Cultural or customary references.

20. According with

Meaning: A less common variant meaning the same as “according to.”
Example: According with the guidelines, the report must be submitted by Monday.
When to use: Formal or archaic style.

21. As expressed by

Meaning: Refers to someone’s thoughts or feelings.
Example: As expressed by the author, the theme is hope.
When to use: Literary or emotional contexts.

22. As articulated by

Meaning: Emphasizes clear or skillful expression.
Example: As articulated by the spokesperson, changes are coming.
When to use: Formal speeches or presentations.

23. In the estimation of

Meaning: Reflects someone’s judgment or evaluation.
Example: In the estimation of experts, the policy will fail.
When to use: Opinionated or evaluative contexts.

24. In the view of

Meaning: Similar to “in the opinion of,” but slightly softer.
Example: In the view of the board, the project is feasible.
When to use: Polite expressions of opinion.

25. According to the account of

Meaning: Detailed report or narration by someone.
Example: According to the account of the pilot, the turbulence was severe.
When to use: Detailed reports or eyewitness narration.

26. As per the report of

Meaning: Formal citation of a report.
Example: As per the report of the inspector, safety standards were met.
When to use: Official documents or business communication.

27. In conformity with

Meaning: Emphasizes agreement with rules or norms.
Example: In conformity with safety regulations, helmets are mandatory.
When to use: Legal or compliance contexts.

28. By virtue of

Meaning: Implies something happens because of authority or condition.
Example: By virtue of her position, she approved the budget.
When to use: Formal, legal, or hierarchical contexts.

29. In reliance on

Meaning: Suggests trust placed on information or source.
Example: In reliance on expert advice, the plan was changed.
When to use: Trust or dependency emphasis.

30. With reference to

Meaning: Points to a topic or source being discussed.
Example: With reference to your email, we will proceed accordingly.
When to use: Formal letters or emails.

How to Choose the Right Synonym?

Choosing the right synonym depends on:

Formality: Use as per, in accordance with, or by virtue of for formal or legal documents. Use as reported by or in the words of for media or quotes.
Tone: For objective reporting, use based on or as indicated by. For opinions, prefer in the opinion of or in the view of.
Context: As narrated by or by the account of suits storytelling, while in conformity with fits rule-based contexts.
Cultural or emotional nuances: In polite or diplomatic contexts, softer phrases like in the view of or in keeping with work better.

Conclusion

According to is a versatile phrase that gracefully attributes information without sounding boastful or overly assertive. But the beauty of language is in its variety! Knowing these 30 alternatives lets you tailor your writing to match the tone, formality, and nuance you want. Whether you’re drafting a formal report, narrating a story, or sharing opinions, picking the right phrase sharpens your message and engages your reader.

So next time you reach for according to, remember: there’s a whole vocabulary out there ready to make your words stand out!

Mariah Cannon