canon

noun

ˈka-nən How to pronounce canon (audio)
Definition of canonnext
1
as in doctrine
a statement or body of statements concerning faith or morals proclaimed by a church members of the church must abide by its canons

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in list
a record of a series of items (as names or titles) usually arranged according to some system the canon of plays that are attributed to William Shakespeare

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in law
a collection or system of rules of conduct the ABA Model Code of Professional Responsibility is a lawyer's canon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word canon distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of canon are law, ordinance, precept, regulation, rule, and statute. While all these words mean "a principle governing action or procedure," canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.

the canons of good taste

When might law be a better fit than canon?

While in some cases nearly identical to canon, law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.

obey the law

When is it sensible to use ordinance instead of canon?

The meanings of ordinance and canon largely overlap; however, ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.

a city ordinance

When can precept be used instead of canon?

The synonyms precept and canon are sometimes interchangeable, but precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

the precepts of effective writing

In what contexts can regulation take the place of canon?

Although the words regulation and canon have much in common, regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

regulations affecting nuclear power plants

When would rule be a good substitute for canon?

In some situations, the words rule and canon are roughly equivalent. However, rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

the rules of the game

When could statute be used to replace canon?

While the synonyms statute and canon are close in meaning, statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.

a statute requiring the use of seat belts

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of canon Some even shouted irreverent requests for the most obscure entries in the Macca canon. —Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 12 Feb. 2025 Or will Black Spire Outpost fall out of canon and become a hodgepodge of Star Wars history? —Brady MacDonald, Orange County Register, 7 Feb. 2025 The Fantastic Four franchise was previously a part of the 20th Century Fox-Marvel canon. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2025 Now, thanks to none other than Taylor Swift, another food has written itself into the game-day canon: Pop-Tarts made from scratch. —Li Goldstein, Bon Appétit, 6 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for canon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canon
  1. doctrine
  2. list
  3. law
  4. theology
  5. listing
  6. constitution
Noun
  • Francis’s promise to reconsider the doctrine of priestly celibacy had gone nowhere . . .
    — Paul Elie, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The case also argues that the DOGE access violates federal administrative law and the U.S. Constitution’s separation of powers doctrine.
    — Anthony Izaguirre, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2025
Definition of doctrine
Noun
  • Add Huntington Park to the list of southeast Los Angeles County cities rocked by political corruption allegations.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The 97th Academy Awards are taking place tonight and soon the entire 2025 Oscars winners list will be unveiled.
    — Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of list
Noun
  • The office did not answer questions about whether any correspondence had been deleted, or how that would comply with public records laws and the city’s records retention policy.
    — Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Keep up with changing data privacy laws that offer consumer protections.
    — Alex Vakulov, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • Vance invoked Catholic theology (erroneously, according to Pope Francis) to justify a hierarchy of concern that places caring for U.S. citizens ahead of the rest of the world.
    — Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2025
  • In 1975, Elijah Muhammad’s son, Imam Warith Deen Mohammed, or W.D. Mohammed, took over the Nation of Islam and transitioned the theology to be based on the Quran and sunnah, Islamic customs and practices based on the words and deeds of the seventh century Prophet Muhammad.
    — Ahmed Ali Akbar, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
Definition of theology
Noun
  • The La Jolla Light presents this continuing listing of local in-person events and online activities.
    — La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Job listings can be found on the company’s careers page.
    — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of listing
Noun
  • Florida’s ballot initiative process, a right guaranteed in the constitution, has long been used by groups to pass measures that have been otherwise stymied by state lawmakers.
    — Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The person literally has no specific duties or obligations outlined in the state constitution other than remaining alive.
    — Scott Maxwell, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of constitution

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Cite this Entry

“Canon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canon. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on canon

Nglish: Translation of canon for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about canon

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