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 Abloh, Boateng, and Buchanan each hold their own unique space in the larger canon of the global fashion industry. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 30 June 2025 So there were thoughts about other hairstyles, but my opinion was, this is canon. —EW.com, 10 July 2025 Gunn takes the vast canon of Superman lore — from various iterations of the comics to TV shows like Smallville to the Donner films — and treats it like a grab bag, plucking elements from many sources. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025 Setting up the most classic love triangle of Shakespeare’s canon, Duke Orsino of Illyria (Evan Ozer) pines for the noblewoman Olivia (Madison Kiernan), while she is smitten with the duke’s page, Cesario. —Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 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
  • In recent years, Brazil has become increasingly fragmented, amplified by a widespread subscription to hateful doctrines, culture wars, anti-intellectualism, disinformation on social media, apocalyptic messaging, doomsday conspiracy theories, and ethno-religious identity politics.
    — Emi Eleode, Time, 14 July 2025
  • Church doctrine also calls for the pope to be buried four to six days after his death, unless there are extenuating circumstances.
    — Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Definition of doctrine
Noun
  • Lastly, these are some of the most compact earbuds on our list, weighing less than a quarter-ounce and perfect for stashing in the pocket of a personal item.
    — Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 24 July 2025
  • On that official list of 3,200 children, the names of just under one-third were not recorded by the government or the schools.
    — Tanya Talaga July 24, Literary Hub, 24 July 2025
Definition of list
Noun
  • Tuscaloosa's first brewpub, opening after Alabama passed a 2009 gourmet beer law, spotlights musicians, writers and other artists in its Moon Room, serves stylized pub food with indoor-outdoor dining and offers classic pinball, video and board games inside.
    — Susan Stapleton, The Tennessean, 31 July 2025
  • In 1965: In a landmark moment for health care, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed amendments to the Social Securities Act of 1935 into law, creating two federal health programs: Medicare and Medicaid.
    — Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 31 July 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • His studies of theology are not natural fits in the secular Democratic identity of late.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 21 July 2025
  • An important place to start is to assure each other that feelings that come out of tragedy are OK, said Dr. Shelly Rambo, professor of theology at Boston University.
    — Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
Definition of theology
Noun
  • But while listings are generally spending longer on the market, there are a few markets that remain very competitive and where the median days on the market of a home for sale actually went down last month compared to a year earlier.
    — Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
  • The scam generally starts with a listing that looks quite legitimate and there is a good reason for that.
    — Steve Weisman, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Definition of listing
Noun
  • The white supremacists who wrote the Texas constitutions of 1866 and 1876 ensured that schooling for Black and white students remained inherently separate and unequal.
    — Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Why does a judge swear to discharge his duties agreeably to the constitution of the United States, if that constitution forms no rule for his government?
    — Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 29 July 2025
Definition of constitution

Browse Nearby Words

canoes
canon
canonical
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Cite this Entry

“Canon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canon. Accessed 6 Aug. 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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