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Synonyms

accordance

American  
[uh-kawr-dns] / əˈkɔr dns /

noun

  1. agreement; conformity.

    in accordance with the rules.

  2. the act of according or granting.

    the accordance of all rights and privileges.


accordance British  
/ əˈkɔːdəns /

noun

  1. conformity; agreement; accord (esp in the phrase in accordance with )

  2. the act of granting; bestowal

    accordance of rights

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of accordance

1275–1325; Middle English acordance < Old French. See accord, -ance

Explanation

Accordance is agreement between people or consensus within a group. A lack of accordance between members of a political party can spell disaster for their presidential candidate. Accordance comes from the Old French acorder, meaning "bring to an agreement." When two things are in accordance, they fit together harmoniously. You'll usually see accordance in the phrase "in accordance with," as when you command your kid brother, "act in accordance with my wishes, or face the consequences!" It's most often used to show that someone is following rules or regulations.

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Vocabulary lists containing accordance

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

It said that all detainees are held in accordance with the law, with full regard for their basic rights, including medical care, and that complaints or allegations of abuse are investigated.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 15, 2026

The study was performed in accordance with the National Institutes of Health Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

From Science Daily Jul. 11, 2026

"All persons found culpable are to be treated strictly in accordance with applicable law," the president's statement read.

From BBC Jul. 8, 2026

The government is now drawing up criteria for which AI models would fall under new security restrictions, in accordance with an executive order from the White House.

From Barron's Jul. 8, 2026

The gate was already lowering, as the guards sealed it in accordance with Black Protocol.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo

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