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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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

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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 The actual plot will be Destiny canon and will not be some actual universe crossover like the Death Star shows up to blow up Neomuna (though I would not be opposed to that). Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025 This wasn't originally in the script because Tony Gilroy thought the line had originated somewhere else in canon. EW.com, 9 May 2025 Agartha, which is big in the occultist canon, refers to the belief in a legendary society within the Earth’s core. Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2025 But these moments in canon that are like these tentpoles for us are usually pretty challenging, in order to wrap all of our stories around that. Lynette Rice, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for canon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canon
Noun
  • Israel’s military doctrine relies on mobilizing large numbers of civilians to fight short wars.
    Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025
  • If a case involving Mr. Trump's tariffs makes it to the Supreme Court and if the high court declines to apply the major questions doctrine, lawyers say the levies also violate the nondelegation doctrine, a long dormant legal concept rooted in the separation of powers.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Saturday, Andrew Abbott went 5 2/3 innings and Friday, in his first game off the injured list, Hunter Greene lasted just four innings.
    C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 26 May 2025
  • Death row pastor finds honor in loving condemned The Nobel Foundation says 338 candidates have been nominated for the 2025 prize, though the list of nominees won't be made public for 50 years.
    James Powel, USA Today, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • But efforts at the federal level fell short, including a congressional attempt, in 1995, to enact a law making English the exclusive language of the federal government and repealing the bilingual requirements of the Voting Rights Act.
    Graciela Mochkofsky, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
  • Another point of contention at the convention came from Utah Senate Bill 54, a law that has grown controversial to members of the Utah GOP.
    Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Over time, anyone who really questioned the theology of Biden was eventually kicked out, and the only people remaining in that inner circle are the truest of true believers.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 20 May 2025
  • And like any theology, skepticism was not permitted.
    Scott Detrow, NPR, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Event listings should be submitted at least two weeks in advance.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • The recent listing of eToro and Robinhood’s international expansion efforts suggest that both companies will remain dynamic competitors worth monitoring closely in the evolving financial technology landscape.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Some saw personhood as politically impractical, especially after personhood amendments to state constitutions were rejected by voters in Colorado, Mississippi and North Dakota between 2008 and 2014.
    Kate Brumback, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025
  • The temporary constitution signed by al-Sharaa in March guarantees basic freedoms such as freedoms of opinion, expression and the press.
    Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Canon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canon. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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