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 Although, like so many Biblical narratives, the Gospel of Mary was excluded from the canon, scholars contend that the text was in wide circulation among Jesus’ early followers. Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025 The idea that children are not routinely exposed to stories about gender and sexuality would baffle anyone with even a passing familiarity with the Disney canon. Ian Millhiser, Vox, 15 Apr. 2025 How many covers of songs from the country-and-western canon will be included? Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025 The art history canon has traditionally sidelined Black artists, making organizations and activism dedicated to contextualizing their value more crucial than ever. Keyaira Boone, Essence, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for canon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canon
Noun
  • Although the origins of the doctrine remain in some dispute, most scholars cite its first mention in ancient Roman law.
    Alexandra Klass, The Conversation, 2 May 2025
  • His isolationist tariff doctrine has already hit other major U.S. trade partners with sweeping duties on automobiles, steel and general imports.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • The final season, in its first four days on Netflix, amassed 10.1 million views and claimed the top spot on the English TV list, according to Netflix.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • In 2024, non-EU tax-free sales were up 9 percent year-on-year with countries such as China, the U.S., India, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa topping the list of shoppers.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • The state's Senate approved the proposal, which is modeled after Arizona’s law, on April 1.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Colorado’s vehicle traction law already requires commercial vehicle drivers to use chains or other traction devices when winter conditions make roads slick.
    Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Wojtyla studied theology in Rome and served as the archbishop of Krakow.
    Gabriele Regalbuto, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Gussie works as a journalist at Vatican News and completed her undergraduate degree in theology at Mount St. Mary’s University.
    Sean Keane, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • While some companies have sold plug-in solar devices in the US without a UL listing, the company’s seal of approval typically is a prerequisite for selling products on the wider market.
    Akielly Hu, Wired News, 3 May 2025
  • Photo: Sotheby’s International Realty The listing photo shows a second bedroom with a crib and a rocker very useful to new parents trying to quiet a baby.
    Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • He’s even expressed willingness to reform Ecuador’s constitution — potentially allowing for the formal return of a US military presence, like the one that existed from 1999 to 2009 at the now-defunct Manta Air Base.
    David Culver, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Certainly the extraordinary performance of the U.S. economy since ratification of the constitution makes a strong argument for this structure of government.
    Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Canon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canon. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

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