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 Joan Didion’s persona has loomed as large as her literary canon. Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025 Nothing in the church canons requires it, but the standard practice is for archbishops to be elevated to the College of Cardinals. Randall Balmer, Time, 21 Apr. 2025 Pagel’s expertise, however, stretches far beyond the four Gospels that, by the start of the fifth century, had become the official canon. Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025 Pace takes Phillis Wheatley as his case study, a poet who, while typically excluded from the Romantic canon, subversively uses the formal coordinates of the slave trade to chart a course toward freedom, anticipating Romantic themes of self-discovery. Abby Clayton, JSTOR Daily, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for canon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canon
Noun
  • Israel’s military doctrine relies on mobilizing large numbers of civilians to fight short wars.
    Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025
  • If a case involving Mr. Trump's tariffs makes it to the Supreme Court and if the high court declines to apply the major questions doctrine, lawyers say the levies also violate the nondelegation doctrine, a long dormant legal concept rooted in the separation of powers.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • First up on Henry’s list was Tia Williams’ A Love Song for Ricki WIlde.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 13 May 2025
  • Spoelstra is also already the winningest head coach in franchise history in both the regular season (787 wins) and playoffs (110 wins), passing Riley on both lists.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • But now, current and former officials say, there's a sense that the division is weaponizing the country's civil rights laws against populations it's supposed to be protecting.
    Ryan Lucas, NPR, 19 May 2025
  • Recently, however, legal scholars, historians, and journalists writing on the Fugitive Slave Law have examined its contemporary influence on, and parallels to, present-day immigration law.
    Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • The class is specifically designed to provide an opportunity to ask questions about Christianity and our Lutheran theology.
    Carin Schoppmeyer, Arkansas Online, 10 May 2025
  • In 1985, Tagle traveled to the United States to study theology at the Catholic University of America.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 4 May 2025
Noun
  • Event listings should be submitted at least two weeks in advance.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • The listing is held by David Kramer and Andrew Buss of the David Kramer Group at Compass.
    Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Some saw personhood as politically impractical, especially after personhood amendments to state constitutions were rejected by voters in Colorado, Mississippi and North Dakota between 2008 and 2014.
    Kate Brumback, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025
  • The temporary constitution signed by al-Sharaa in March guarantees basic freedoms such as freedoms of opinion, expression and the press.
    Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Canon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canon. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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