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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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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 Empowering the next generation to work on a project of this complexity and importance could serve as a model for how other institutions might go about identifying, cultivating, and attracting highly qualified scholars from a range of backgrounds to create a more inclusive canon. Pamela J. Joyner, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2024 Carpenter — whose canon includes such masterpieces as 1978’s Halloween and 1982’s The Thing — did add an optimistic coda to his thoughts on the state of the country and the world. Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Oct. 2024 And while the franchise is still going strong — Jim Carrey is coming out of retirement to reprise his role as Dr. Robotnik in the upcoming third film — gamers clamoring to see more non-hedgehog properties from the SEGA canon on the big screen are in for a treat. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2024 And so on to America: There is a small canon of works by foreigners making fun of the United States. Tom Teicholz, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for canon 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canon
Noun
  • By contrast, animation foregrounds the pictorial, which is its own aesthetic doctrine.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
  • Under the Arizona Constitution's separation of powers doctrine, those types of legal challenges could be filed only after voters approved the initiative.
    Stacey Barchenger, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The list can be shared with the customer and then the retailer can use it to prompt follow-up conversations.
    Worth Sparkman, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024
  • The song reaches a new No. 37 high on the latest list.
    Xander Zellner, Billboard, 19 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The 2-1 decision from the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday comes as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear a challenge to a similar law in Tennessee, which may ultimately determine whether all such state laws around the country can be enforced.
    Reuters, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
  • The Hungarian has transformed his country’s democratic system by changing electoral laws to ensure only his party can win elections.
    Trudy Rubin, Twin Cities, 13 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The deity is also linked to earthquakes, thunder, darkness, storms, and death and was widely regarded as the most powerful force of evil in Egyptian theology.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Adrian started out as a theology student, but the stakes of Mann’s novel are not, at heart, theological—Adrian has a maddening case of syphilis, and that is the secular portal through which Mephistopheles makes his entry.
    James Wood, The New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2024
Noun
  • With each passing month, buyers are gaining the upper hand as the inventory of unsold listings grows.
    Aldo Svaldi, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
  • The house comes with a heated gunite pool and a separate studio as shown in this listing photo.
    Clio Chang, Curbed, 8 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Moreover, the net ban is protected by the constitution already, similar to private property rights.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Currently, the state constitution allows citizens 18 and older who meet certain residence requirements to vote.
    Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near canon

Cite this Entry

“Canon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canon. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

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