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

Examples 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 Horror, romance, and thrillers all get their due in the cultural canon, but the best revenge movies truly represent a genre unto themselves. Lauren Sanchez, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2024 Across the board, the melting pot that is the Peruvian culinary canon is proudly showing its roots. Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Dec. 2024 With this sensationally entertaining production of Shakespeare’s early and seldom-revived three-part history play, the Old Globe reached a producing milestone, completing the Shakespeare canon. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024 Adams’ work is mature and thought-provoking, and part of a crucial group of artists such as Mickalene Thomas and Kehinde Wiley who are bringing the Black experience to the forefront of their work, as well as to the broader artistic canon. Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for canon 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canon
Noun
  • The Cold War doctrine of deterrence, known as Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD), assumes that rational actors will make rational decisions to prevent nuclear catastrophe.
    Michael Sheldrick, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
  • But the scare device also contradicts the fashionable, secular ancestor-worship that replaces Christian doctrine for black progressives.
    Armond White, National Review, 27 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • York scoured Amazon for authors to participate and put them onto a list for eager readers.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
  • That list includes the Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Program, which coordinates the multi-state cleanup effort for the nation’s largest estuary.
    Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Indiana's new deep-fake election law doesn't cover that.
    Brittany Carloni, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Dec. 2024
  • The firm is accusing these parties of violating various Texas state laws by allegedly offering a former client of Buzbee's money in exchange for suing his company.
    Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Like Nef, O’Malley believed in integrating literature, philosophy, and theology to explore fundamental questions.
    Alejandro Antonio Chafuen, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
  • There are serious arguments about the continuing use of the death penalty, both as a matter of public policy and as a matter of moral theology.
    The Editors, National Review, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The 3,000-square-foot listing was removed for a few months but now Lowe is trying to sell it again, re-listing it in early December for $5.5 million.
    Clio Chang, Curbed, 26 Dec. 2024
  • However, property records and archived listings show the home was built almost 25 years ago and has since undergone a sleek, contemporary makeover.
    Mark David, Robb Report, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Under South Korea’s constitution, at least six justices must approve an impeachment for it to be upheld.
    Gawon Bae, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024
  • India's constitution was penned by a Dalit intellectual, known as Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar CQ.
    Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 15 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near canon

Cite this Entry

“Canon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canon. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

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