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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2
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 Genre paintings tell us so much about how a particular epoch views itself in relation to its traditions and to its canon and to all these other various things. Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025 The confetti canons that blast moments later are blinding. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 4 Oct. 2025 Each new Taylor Swift record means a new cultural movement, more records to be broken, and, perhaps most integral, a batch of songs to contextualize in the Swiftian canon. Jaeden Pinder, Pitchfork, 3 Oct. 2025 That album record is arguably chief among a canon of essential pressings that collectors almost always have in their catalogs, so both younger buyers and longtime record enthusiasts seek it out. Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for canon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canon
Noun
  • So those would be classic reliance interests in the terms of the law, in terms of legal doctrine.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The doctrine instructs that an erroneous fact in a story is not, by itself, sufficient for a defamation claim.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Then, within 24 hours of being at the lot, Beach said, their homelessness status will be verified by Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services and they’ll be placed on a priority wait list for a spot at a family shelter.
    Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Check out the full list of shows (with new dates in bold) below.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • According to Arkansas law, all drain plugs must be removed from your boat at the boat ramp upon the conclusion of your outing and during transport.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Larson argued the amendment would limit the state's ability to enact more restrictive gun laws in the future.
    Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Duns is chairman of Marquette's theology department.
    Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 13 Oct. 2025
  • As a teacher of theology, medicine, or law, she is not known.
    Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Check out the Carolina Panthers Radio Network for local listings.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The Ultimate Hauler 18 arrived a little earlier this year but just recently started appearing in dealership listings and advertisements.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Despite never attaining the presidency, he was credited with helping dismantle Kenya's one-party rule under Daniel arap Moi in 1992 and championing the progressive 2010 constitution, which ushered in far-reaching political reforms.
    NPR, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The deputy speaker proposed a bill that would amend the constitution to require 183 women to sit in the national and state assemblies; currently, just four of Nigeria’s 109 senators and 16 members of its 360-seat lower house are female.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Canon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canon. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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