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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.

Hegseth said U.S. defense officials are meeting “more frequently” with their Chinese counterparts to improve coordination and reduce the risk of miscalculation, in accordance with a consensus reached between Trump and Xi in Beijing.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

The company also received a violation for allegedly failing to “implement and effective written injury and illness prevention program” in accordance with state law.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2026

"All prisoners and detainees are held in accordance with the law, with respect for their fundamental rights under the supervision of professional and trained prison staff," a spokesperson said.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

It reiterated that the Chinese government imposes export controls on key minerals such as rare earths in accordance with laws and regulations, and reviews compliant, civilian-use export permit applications.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

People always seem to band together in accordance to a principle that has nothing to do with love, a principle that releases them from personal responsibility.

From "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin

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