canonical
adjective
ca·non·i·cal
kə-ˈnä-ni-kəl 
1
: of, relating to, or forming a canon
canonical scriptures
2
: conforming to a general rule or acceptable procedure : orthodox
His proposals were generally accepted as canonical.
3
: of or relating to a clergyperson who is a canon
4
: reduced to the canonical form
a canonical matrix
Examples of canonical in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The book is apocryphal, a non-canonical text that deals with Jesus’ adolescence, something not found in the Bible.
—
Barry Levitt, Time, 14 Nov. 2025
Picking up from here will be a huge challenge; without defining a canonical golden path, whatever comes next will be like creating parallel seasons of TV as prospective sequels.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025
In the canonical metaphorical example, a butterfly flaps its wings in Brazil, and the cascading sequence of atmospheric perturbations leads to a tornado in Texas.
—Dan Garisto, Scientific American, 22 Oct. 2025
Archbishop Shawn McKnight has launched a preliminary canonical investigation into the issue as well, the archdiocese said, and Storey has been temporarily suspended from priestly ministry, including celebrating Mass and performing pastoral duties.
—Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2025
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Barry Levitt, Time, 14 Nov. 2025
Picking up from here will be a huge challenge; without defining a canonical golden path, whatever comes next will be like creating parallel seasons of TV as prospective sequels.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025
In the canonical metaphorical example, a butterfly flaps its wings in Brazil, and the cascading sequence of atmospheric perturbations leads to a tornado in Texas.
—Dan Garisto, Scientific American, 22 Oct. 2025
Archbishop Shawn McKnight has launched a preliminary canonical investigation into the issue as well, the archdiocese said, and Storey has been temporarily suspended from priestly ministry, including celebrating Mass and performing pastoral duties.
—Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for canonical
Cite this Entry
“Canonical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canonical. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.
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canonical
adjective
ca·non·i·cal
kə-ˈnän-i-kəl
1
: relating to or allowed by church law
2
: following a general rule or accepted procedure
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