1
as in doctrines
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
Relevance
2
as in lists
a record of a series of items (as names or titles) usually arranged according to some system
the canon of plays that are attributed to William Shakespeare
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in laws
a collection or system of rules of conduct
the ABA Model Code of Professional Responsibility is a lawyer's canon
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of canons
The attack was massive, involving nearly 50,000 infantry and cavalry as well as 58 canons.
—
Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 30 Mar. 2026
Solak continued, saying that Smith’s arrest would be investigated by diocese officials and follow church canons that handle clergy misconduct.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
The Stockholm Series reminded me that one function of canons is to create solidarity.
—Colton Valentine, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
Both male and female idols (and the crowds) are drenched by water canons throughout the festival.
—Jae-Ha Kim, Rolling Stone, 8 Dec. 2025
It is eventually revealed that Kawaji was also the man who gave the order to fire canons at the Battle of Toba–Fushimi, killing samurai on both sides after the outcome had been decided.
—Kayti Burt, Time, 13 Nov. 2025
There are no canons of forgery in Quintilian’s Institutes or Cicero.
—JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2025
Confetti canons shot out glittering rainbows, and Derevjanik began to dance around, shouting in glee.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025
Peppard believes that before organizations can deliver on the transformational potential of AI, or indeed any transformational technology, there are multiple canons defining the dominant orthodoxy that must be tackled head-on.
—Randy Bean, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 30 Mar. 2026
Solak continued, saying that Smith’s arrest would be investigated by diocese officials and follow church canons that handle clergy misconduct.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
The Stockholm Series reminded me that one function of canons is to create solidarity.
—Colton Valentine, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
Both male and female idols (and the crowds) are drenched by water canons throughout the festival.
—Jae-Ha Kim, Rolling Stone, 8 Dec. 2025
It is eventually revealed that Kawaji was also the man who gave the order to fire canons at the Battle of Toba–Fushimi, killing samurai on both sides after the outcome had been decided.
—Kayti Burt, Time, 13 Nov. 2025
There are no canons of forgery in Quintilian’s Institutes or Cicero.
—JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2025
Confetti canons shot out glittering rainbows, and Derevjanik began to dance around, shouting in glee.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025
Peppard believes that before organizations can deliver on the transformational potential of AI, or indeed any transformational technology, there are multiple canons defining the dominant orthodoxy that must be tackled head-on.
—Randy Bean, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canons
Noun
-
Most Anglican churches do not require belief in Catholic Marian doctrines such as the Immaculate Conception.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Two people in the same local assembly may share similar doctrines but be at odds over the efficacy of modern scientific medicine, especially vaccines.—
Cory Anderson,
STAT,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The Rand McNally Road Atlas and Vacation Guide -- The Essential Atlas-Guide to America’s Vacation Destinations -- lists in its index thousands of towns, villages and cities in the Western Hemisphere.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
-
The former Northeastern University standout was ranked outside all of the major top 100 prospect lists and was described by Baseball America’s scouting report as someone who projects as a back-end starter.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
However, some Idaho taxpayers can expect longer waits on refunds due to state tax conformity laws the Idaho Statesman previously reported.—
Hali Smith
April 4,
Idaho Statesman,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The mayor also says the city could need to stop enforcing laws against street camping and vehicle habitation if there are major cuts to city-run lots for people living in vehicles or tents.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
-
In the first quarter, 31% of agents reported that their listings were on the market for more than six weeks, compared with 26% in the fourth quarter.—
Diana Olick,
CNBC,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Leaders of several former Soviet republics, including Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, have previously used new or amended constitutions to revise statutory term limits.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Encouraged and frightened by the events at Naples, other sovereigns granted constitutions.—
Britannica Editors,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The attackers then have access to everything on the victim’s phone, can intercept SMS one time password (OTP) codes, and use that info to log into their banking apps to empty their accounts.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
7 Apr. 2026
-
At the scanner station, students used diagnostic tools to read data such as coolant temperature, check for error codes, and demonstrated their ability to operate the equipment.—
Stephanie Ogilvie,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Canons.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canons. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
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