1
as in apostolic
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
2
as in authoritative
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 canonical
Yet there is nothing eternal or canonical or irreversible about this system.
—
Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026
Regardless, the influence of Amazing Stories’ founding in 1926 radiated throughout the genre’s history like the light through Bradbury’s grandparents’ window, with authors who had their debut in Amazing Stories running the canonical gamut from Asimov to Zelzany.
—Literary Hub, 10 Apr. 2026
Although required oaths—such as allegiance to the sovereign and canonical obedience—are taken at the earlier election and confirmation ceremonies, the installation service does include a number of formal declarations or reaffirmations connected to the archbishop’s ministry.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Mar. 2026
In a manner that feels prototypical of the plant’s subsequent valorization across other cultures, the cucumber makes an appearance in the Rigveda, an ancient collection of Sanskrit hymns belonging to the canonical Hindu tradition.
—Andrés Muedano, JSTOR Daily, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for canonical
Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026
Regardless, the influence of Amazing Stories’ founding in 1926 radiated throughout the genre’s history like the light through Bradbury’s grandparents’ window, with authors who had their debut in Amazing Stories running the canonical gamut from Asimov to Zelzany.
—Literary Hub, 10 Apr. 2026
Although required oaths—such as allegiance to the sovereign and canonical obedience—are taken at the earlier election and confirmation ceremonies, the installation service does include a number of formal declarations or reaffirmations connected to the archbishop’s ministry.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Mar. 2026
In a manner that feels prototypical of the plant’s subsequent valorization across other cultures, the cucumber makes an appearance in the Rigveda, an ancient collection of Sanskrit hymns belonging to the canonical Hindu tradition.
—Andrés Muedano, JSTOR Daily, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for canonical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canonical
Adjective
-
On June 2, 1979, Pope John Paul II set out from Rome on an apostolic journey, as papal trips away from the Vatican are called.—
Paul Elie,
New Yorker,
8 May 2026
-
The leader of the Roman Catholic Church directed his remarks to university students at the Catholic University of Central Africa in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, during an 11-day apostolic journey in Africa.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Silver’s background played an instrumental role in the NBA building a credible and authoritative case to expel Ballmer’s predecessor, Donald Sterling, as Clippers owner after Sterling’s racist comments led to NBA players threatening a boycott and sponsors cutting ties with the Clippers.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
2 June 2026
-
Read the authoritative profile of how Wilson has worked to make Homer modern.—
Caroline Mimbs Nyce,
New Yorker,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
Leo's visit signals a return of papal attention to Europe's Christian roots after Pope Francis largely stayed away from the traditional centers of Christianity in favor of smaller Catholic communities farther away.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 June 2026
-
Leo's visit signals a return of papal attention to Europe’s Christian roots after Pope Francis largely stayed away from the traditional centers of Christianity in favor of smaller Catholic communities farther away.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
There are strict rules in California around the purchasing of dynamite, which is generally restricted to licensed professionals working in mining and quarry operations, building demolitions, tunneling projects and specialized industrial activities.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
-
And this time, Starz is a co-producer with Lionsgate Television, whereas the previous Power shows were all licensed.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
On New Year’s Eve in 1996, Christou followed Deadbeat with a club at a former Episcopal church that was built in 1865.—
Max Scheinblum,
Denver Post,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Jackson is an Episcopal priest, theological educator and former Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida executive.—
Beth Reese Cravey,
Florida Times-Union,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Mejia, a 35-year-old certified public accountant associated with the Green Party, won the most votes of any controller candidate in city history in 2022 despite running against a then-sitting council member.—
Sandra McDonald,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
-
There are dozens of certified Welcoming America cities, but not all are on the federal government's sanctuary city list.—
Kaitlyn McCormick,
USA Today,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
Amid public outrage over the abuse crisis, Spain launched a reparations system earlier this year for clerical abuse cases too old to be prosecuted that requires the participation of the Catholic Church and the Spanish government.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 June 2026
-
Spain launched a reparations system this year Amid public outrage over the abuse crisis, Spain launched a reparations system earlier this year for clerical abuse cases too old to be prosecuted that requires the participation of the Catholic Church and the Spanish government.—
Suman Naishadham,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
Also known as a phantom goal, a ghost goal refers to officiating errors during a football (soccer) match, resulting in either a goal being awarded despite the ball not having crossed the goal line or a legitimate goal being denied.—
Gitanjali Roy,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
3 June 2026
-
Maradona initially claimed the goal was legitimate.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Canonical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canonical. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
