accord

American  

[uh-kawrd] / əˈkɔrd /

verb (used without object)

1. to be in agreement or harmony; agree.

   Synonyms:

   concur, harmonize

   Antonyms:

   conflict

---

verb (used with object)

1. to make agree or correspond; adapt.

   Synonyms:

   reconcile

2. to grant; bestow.

   to accord due praise.

   Antonyms:

   withdraw, deny, withhold

3. Archaic. to settle; reconcile.

noun

1. proper relationship or proportion; harmony.

2. a harmonious union of sounds, colors, etc.

3. consent or concurrence of opinions or wills; agreement.

4. an international agreement; settlement of questions outstanding among nations.

idioms

1. of one's own accord, without being asked or told; voluntarily.

   We did the extra work of our own accord.

accord British  

/ əˈkɔːd /

noun

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

2. consent or concurrence of opinion

3. unanimously

4. pleasing relationship between sounds, colours, etc; harmony

5. a settlement of differences, as between nations; compromise

6. voluntarily

---

verb

1. to be or cause to be in harmony or agreement

2. (tr) to grant; bestow

accord More Idioms  

1. see of one's own accord.

---

Usage

What does accord mean? To accord is to agree or be in harmony with someone or something. Accord is usually used formally to mean to work together. It is often used in official decrees, analysis of public figures, and governmental affairs. Related to this, an accord is an agreement. In particular when nations agree to something, we often say they have reached an accord, as with the Paris Climate Accords. To accord can also mean to grant or bestow. Oftentimes an item that is accorded is something that will strengthen a relationship or agreement, as with according someone praise or forgiveness. Example: Failure to reach an accord will mean the battle will continue for years to come.

Related Words

See correspond.

Other Word Forms

• accordable adjective
• accorder noun
• nonaccord noun
• preaccord noun
• unaccordable adjective
• unaccorded adjective
• well-accorded adjective

Etymology

Origin of accord

First recorded in 1100–50; Middle English a(c)corden, late Old English acordan, from Old French acorder, from Vulgar Latin accordāre (unrecorded), from Latin ac- ac- + cor (stem cord- ) “heart” ( see cordial); see also heart

Explanation

An accord is an agreement between groups or even nations, like a formal peace accord that prevents war or the accord between you and your sister specifying who gets to use the car on which days. Accord is an agreeable word. If you and your best friend are always in accord, you agree about everything. And if you do something of your own accord, you do it without prompting from someone else. As a verb, accord means to be in harmony or agreement, or to allow. Perhaps your enhanced vocabulary will accord you, or allow you, a better understanding of language.

Example Sentences

He will be among the negotiators at the helm of high-stakes talks already underway to renew the North American free trade accord, a linchpin of Mexico’s export-dominated economy.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Iran sent over experienced officials, some of whom had taken part in the talks that produced the Iran nuclear accord.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

The accord is the latest agreed by Brussels in a push to diversify trade as Europe faces challenges from the United States and China.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

Luke Wright has stepped down as selector of his own accord and the advertisement to replace his £115k-a-year role is in the public domain.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

In accord with the wheel’s operating procedures, the conductor had locked the door at the start of the ride.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

Related Words

• affirm
• agree
• conform
• correspond