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 Virgil Abloh’s playfulness has always been a design code that’s made Off-White a defining brand for the streetwear canon. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 6 Mar. 2025 As the canon of 20th century art continues taking shape, this painting will emerge–has been emerging–as one of the most important produced during the last century. Chadd Scott, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 The songs of October Country feel immediately like the high-water mark of the Haunted Mound canon. Meaghan Garvey, Pitchfork, 13 Mar. 2025 This gives fans an unpredictable, ever-expanding canon of stories to follow and even compare, like one grand spot-the-difference game in time. Colin Burnett, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for canon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canon
Noun
  • On March 27, Coney Barrett, a Trump nominee, expressed major concerns about reviving the doctrine, which hasn't been used since the 1930s and could severely weaken the power of government agencies.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The central question before the court was whether Congress and the FCC violated that doctrine through the scheme.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The Bengal Chapter have made it to the Netflix top 10 lists.
    Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • American companies need government permits to supply items to firms on the list.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This decision follows the university’s denial of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request made two years ago by Michael LeRoy, a U of I law professor who studies college sports.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Indonesian students protesting a revision to the armed forces law in Jakarta on Thursday.
    Reuters, NBC News, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • After breakfast, there are classes, usually in philosophy or theology, and more prayer.
    Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
  • Is there a tension between wanting to engage with Jewish religious texts, and then acknowledging that theology can prevent clear thinking?
    Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Check your local listings, watch full episodes here, or listen to the weekly podcast here.
    The Editors, The Atlantic, 29 Mar. 2025
  • New listings of homes for sale were up 7.5 percent year-over-year in February, the biggest increase so far this year.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Each state has its own constitution, statute and court precedent.
    Romy Ellenbogen, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The groups argue that these actions violate federal law and the constitution, as only Congress can make these changes.
    Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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