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 Although, like so many Biblical narratives, the Gospel of Mary was excluded from the canon, scholars contend that the text was in wide circulation among Jesus’ early followers. Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025 The idea that children are not routinely exposed to stories about gender and sexuality would baffle anyone with even a passing familiarity with the Disney canon. Ian Millhiser, Vox, 15 Apr. 2025 How many covers of songs from the country-and-western canon will be included? Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025 The art history canon has traditionally sidelined Black artists, making organizations and activism dedicated to contextualizing their value more crucial than ever. Keyaira Boone, Essence, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for canon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canon
Noun
  • Church doctrine calls for the pope to be buried four to six days after his death, unless there are extenuating circumstances.
    Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Church doctrine calls for the pope to be buried four to six days after his death; the timing of Francis’ funeral has yet to be announced.
    Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The final season, in its first four days on Netflix, amassed 10.1 million views and claimed the top spot on the English TV list, according to Netflix.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • While fiercer competition for him may be needed at right-back, Bogle is at least among those on the list who have a chance of making the grade in 2025-26.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • The state's Senate approved the proposal, which is modeled after Arizona’s law, on April 1.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Prosecution: Autism doesn’t prevent death penalty in any state Arguments that other states, such as Ohio and Kentucky, expanded their laws to bar people with serious mental illness from facing the death penalty don’t apply, Hippler said.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • While this is a political consideration, in Catholic theology the electors are supposed to be guided by the Holy Spirit.
    Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Wojtyla studied theology in Rome and served as the archbishop of Krakow.
    Gabriele Regalbuto, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The listing is one of few tools available to climate-conscious readers who want to learn more about which companies are successfully lowering their emissions.
    Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Now, with many job listings being posted online, and with remote work being extremely popular among professionals, the dynamics are different.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • He’s even expressed willingness to reform Ecuador’s constitution — potentially allowing for the formal return of a US military presence, like the one that existed from 1999 to 2009 at the now-defunct Manta Air Base.
    David Culver, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Certainly the extraordinary performance of the U.S. economy since ratification of the constitution makes a strong argument for this structure of government.
    Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Canon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canon. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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