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 According to Bakes, Soto received an identical copy of the canonical petition but declined to investigate the school. — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 23 Aug. 2026 The experience is…less fun, although bad film aficionados know that some level of tedium is inherent to almost all of the most canonical worst movies ever. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026 McKnight’s decision was based on the independent investigation and a canonical assessment that was made following the investigation, the archdiocese’s announcement said. — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026 It’s been owned and operated by the namesake family since 1894 for canonical Italian hits like cannoli, rainbow cookies, and tiramisu exactly as nonna makes them. — Kyle Beechey, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Aug. 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

Definition of apostolic

Adjective

If one dominant, highly authoritative article (like a TechRadar review) appears at the top of the search index, my system treats it as the safest, most reliable anchor.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026
In my experience, the most effective long-term approach is ensuring that more recent authoritative sources discuss your company’s current state.

— Victoria Marshall, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of authoritative

Adjective

Its evolution and that of the surrounding estate have been determined by border disputes between papal states and grand duchies, by World Wars, and, in the second half of the 20th century, by brute economics, industrialization, and urbanization.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
For Leo, that distinction comes from making the highly recognizable papal wardrobe part of his own public style.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of papal

Adjective

Clinical trials are ongoing to find a licensed vaccine for the current outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, which has no licensed vaccine or treatment.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
The memo said assistant principals who are teaching classes exempted from the law — due to a shortage of space or licensed teachers — will also receive the extra pay.

— Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 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

Originally an eBay seller, Davis’ certified B-corp business received a strategic investment from Neiman Marcus in 2019.

— WWD Staff, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
Cycle along the coastline, set sail across the Mediterranean, dive with certified instructors, explore on horseback, or pick up a racket for a game of tennis or padel.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of certified

Adjective

The civilian staff of roughly 1,400 would grow by 120 slots — a mix of clerical and tech positions and staff for the county’s 911 center.

— Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026
The recount commission agreed to toss several votes for largely clerical mistakes.

— Cate Charron, IndyStar, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of clerical

Adjective

Qaradawi defended Palestinian suicide bombings of Israeli civilians as a legitimate form of resistance.

— Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026
El-Sayed keeps trying to claim Piker is an irrelevant distraction, but the company one keeps is a legitimate consideration for voters.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 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 20 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of canonical

adjective

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