CANONICAL Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

canonical

adjective

Definition of canonical

as in apostolic

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 Their forebears at the Academy snubbed canonical documentaries like The Thin Blue Line, Roger & Me, and Hoop Dreams. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026 In response to a media outcry, Francis ordered a canonical trial in 2024, which is ongoing. — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026 This new adaptation will debut in October, 71 years after Kazan’s grandfather Elia’s canonical film based on the book—the movie that made James Dean a star. — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 25 Sep. 2026 The study showed that adding synthetic, non-canonical amino acids called azatryptophans to plastic-degrading enzymes (PETases) can break the trade-off between catalytic activity and thermal stability. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for canonical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for canonical

Adjective

Beyond his role within the church, the Pope is also a key international figure, frequently speaking out on high-profile topics such as artificial intelligence and immigration, and making apostolic journeys abroad.

— Tiago Ventura, Time, 14 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of apostolic

Adjective

BigXthaPlug, a Dallas, Texas, vocalist with a deep, grainy, and authoritative mic presence, is one of the most intriguing voices in years.

— Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026
His Picard is authoritative, with none of the friendly push and pull with his underlings that Kirk had.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of authoritative

Adjective

From November 6 to 17, the pope is scheduled to take 14 flights (including two in a helicopter), give 36 speeches and participate in around 50 events in what is one of the most intense papal trips of recent years.

— Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2026
West initially imagined his look through the imagery of the early papacy—particularly the period when the papal court moved from Rome to Avignon.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of papal

Adjective

During these days, licensed junior hunters aged 12 to 15 years old may hunt when accompanied by a licensed adult hunter 18 or older.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026
Additional perks include Instagram's licensed and royalty-free audio libraries, hundreds of sound and video effects, and automatic captions in multiple languages.

— Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of licensed

Adjective

After returning to the United States, Novakovic attended an Episcopal boarding school in San Antonio, Texas.

— byRachel Cole, Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 May 2026
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

Definition of episcopal

Adjective

The model runs through 42 agencies statewide and 105 certified consultants, serving roughly 17,300 caregivers a year.

— Raginee Sudhir Chaurey, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026
Chief among the changes is a requirement to visit all archeological sites beyond Hanga Roa with a certified guide.

— Mark Johanson, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of certified

Adjective

California officials have previously said the list is out of date and includes legitimate voters -- a sentiment that the federal judge presiding over the case echoed in his blistering order denying the federal government's request.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
California officials have previously said the list is out of date and includes legitimate voters — a sentiment that the federal judge presiding over the case echoed in his blistering order denying the federal government's request.

— CBS News, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of legitimate

Browse Nearby Words

canon

canonical

canonize

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Style

“Canonical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canonical. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of canonical

adjective

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