Thesaurus results for CANON

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

canon

noun

ˈka-nən

Definition of canon

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

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as in list

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

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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

Synonym Chooser

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 Despite being trained on the glorious quirks of humankind’s creative canon, the models push our ersatz artistic output into a bland, muddled middle ground. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2026 Even sequels and prequels — say, those in the Star Wars canon — ideally aspire to a degree of self-sufficiency in which the audience can discern the story and, properly bewitched, can proceed to seek out the other movies. — Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026 This despite such characters as Darth Maul, Boba Fett and Emperor Palpatine being revived after their deaths in the Star Wars canon. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2026 Since mutants are often feared and persecuted, Professor Charles Xavier, one of the most powerful telepaths in the comics canon, opens a School for Gifted Youngsters as a safe haven for young wayward mutants. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for canon

Recent Examples of Synonyms for canon

Noun

The claim was allowed to stand because it was filed in a civil action outside the scope of church control, meaning that the abstention doctrine did not apply, the appeals court justices wrote.

— Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2026
But the work-for-hire doctrine reaches only fixed, expressed works.

— Hamid Kohan, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of doctrine

Noun

The agency's own public list of Underground Scholars partner campuses does not include UC Davis — the same campus where the young woman at the center of this story was placed.

— Julie Watts August 20, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
That put him ahead of Roger Clemens (1,014) for 12th place on the franchise’s all-time list.

— Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of list

Noun

In addition, a law creating new asylum eligibility requirements, including new time limits for applying, went into effect earlier this year.

— Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Steven Baicker-McKee, a law professor at Duquesne University and an expert in civil procedure, told CNBC that an advisory jury amounts to an add-on to a bench trial.

— Jeffrey Kopp, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of law

Noun

Book Now at Expedia All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Unitree is the latest high-profile Chinese tech name to hit Shanghai's STAR Market, following memory chipmaker CXMT's listing last month, when its shares soared 466% on their first day of trading.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of listing

Noun

In November, Florida voters have the chance to amend the state constitution to rewrite how local governments charge property taxes on primary residences.

— Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Some political actors are warning that a vote during wartime, which would require changes to Ukraine’s constitution and other laws, could aid Russia by destabilizing the government and dividing society.

— David L. Stern, Washington Post, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of constitution

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Cite this Entry

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“Canon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canon. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of canon

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Synonyms of canon

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Popular in Wordplay

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