in accordance with

/ɪn əˈkɔːdəns wɪð/ · in uh-KOR-duns withagreement phrase

In agreement or compliance with a rule, principle, request, or body of evidence.

Use in accordance with to express this relationship precisely: in agreement or compliance with a rule, principle, request, or body of evidence.

What in accordance with Really Means

The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.

1

Core relationship

In agreement or compliance with a rule, principle, request, or body of evidence.

Example

Samples were stored in accordance with the laboratory protocol.

2

Noun-phrase frame

Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.

Example

The revised date is in accordance with the available evidence.

3

Analytical use

It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.

Example

The council acted in accordance with its published guidelines.

Use in accordance with Naturally

Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.

Samples were stored in accordance with the laboratory protocol.

The revised date is in accordance with the available evidence.

The council acted in accordance with its published guidelines.

Precision Matters

In accordance with overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.

in accordance with

Means in agreement or compliance with a rule, principle, request, or body of evidence.

vs.
consistent with

Means in agreement or harmony with; not contradicted by.

in accordance with

Means in agreement or compliance with a rule, principle, request, or body of evidence.

vs.
in keeping with

Means consistent with a pattern, principle, style, or expectation.

in accordance with

Means in agreement or compliance with a rule, principle, request, or body of evidence.

vs.
in relation to

Means with reference to, in connection with, or when considered against something.

in accordance with

Means in agreement or compliance with a rule, principle, request, or body of evidence.

vs.
characteristic of

Means typical of or distinctive to a person, group, period, or category.

Test in accordance with in Context

The action complies with the requirements.

1

The researchers anonymised every record ___ the ethics board's requirements.

Prepared byFirst Academy
Editorial responsibilityFirst Academy Academic Team
Updated3 August 2026
Selection and reviewRead our methodology