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 My father, never one to pass on a grand gesture, leaned in, but my mother shot him a look suggesting that the entire canon of American profanity could be translated into a single facial expression. Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 14 June 2025 That confirmation of the diversity agenda would, ironically, rewrite the cultural canon and impose racial superiority. Armond White, National Review, 13 June 2025 The most popular latecomer to this canon is a character who calls himself Murderbot. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 13 June 2025 So there was a lot of pleasure from the fans that the previous show was considered canon. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for canon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canon
Noun
  • The doctrine was upended for a time in the U.S. by the Supreme Court's notorious Dred Scott ruling.
    Bill Chappell, NPR, 27 June 2025
  • The judge concluded that Meta’s use was protected under the doctrine of fair use.
    Aron Solomon June 27, Literary Hub, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • On May 23, in a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park the 31-year-old two-time All-Star suffered a strained right quadriceps muscle, and has been on the injured list ever since.
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • Check out Lopez’s post and a list of summer 2025 European shows below.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • And American law, then as now, tends to favor legacy over hustle.
    Aron Solomon June 24, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025
  • Idaho Supreme Court says Sánchez vacated her seat In an opinion written by Justice Gregory Moeller, the Supreme Court disagreed with Sánchez on three essential points surrounding the Idaho law cited by the City Council.
    Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • In a broader political sense, CREC theology includes the belief that the establishment clause of the Constitution does not require a separation of church and state.
    Samuel Perry, The Conversation, 20 June 2025
  • Tuesday night should have been another chapter in his legendary theology.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Official Nintendo product listings began disappearing from Amazon U.S. last year.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 1 July 2025
  • Focus on addressing business needs through use-case content and making listings more informative and outcome-oriented.
    Gianluca Ferruggia, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The Montana Supreme Court ruled last year that the state’s parental consent law violated the privacy clause in Montana’s constitution.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 4 July 2025
  • Let these words echo in the constitution of Syria, the laws, the spirit, and the daily life of the country—words that are worthy of repeating: Syria for all Syrians.
    Nuri Kino, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Canon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canon. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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