canon

noun

ˈka-nən How to pronounce canon (audio)
Definition of canonnext
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

Relevance
2
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

Synonyms & Similar Words
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

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 No Sleep For Kaname Date brings the eponymous character back into action, with a new canon game set in-between the first game in the second. —Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025 In this new production, directed by Tony Award winner Thomas Kail (Hamilton), Emmy Award winner and five-time Oscar nominee Michelle Williams takes on one of the boldest roles in the American canon. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 June 2025 Now it can be immortalized in the canon of classic songs! —Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 27 June 2025 Fans expressed shock over the death, but flash-forward episodes typically aren't considered canon to the series. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for canon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canon
  1. doctrine
  2. list
  3. law
  4. theology
  5. listing
  6. constitution
Noun
  • In recent years, Brazil has become increasingly fragmented, amplified by a widespread subscription to hateful doctrines, culture wars, anti-intellectualism, disinformation on social media, apocalyptic messaging, doomsday conspiracy theories, and ethno-religious identity politics.
    — Emi Eleode, Time, 14 July 2025
  • Church doctrine also calls for the pope to be buried four to six days after his death, unless there are extenuating circumstances.
    — Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Definition of doctrine
Noun
  • Walmart There are better MacBooks higher up on this list.
    — Simon Hill, Wired News, 12 July 2025
  • Minjee Lee could be adding her name to that illustrious list this Sunday.
    — Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Definition of list
Noun
  • Each of us should demand our local leaders challenge every one of the immoral and cruel state laws and the Gestapo-like raids and inhumane detainments carried out by ICE agents.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025
  • In 2017, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 2205, which established uniform policies for autonomous vehicles across Texas and placed oversight in the hands of the state government, preventing municipalities from enacting any laws or regulations related to autonomous and self-driving vehicles.
    — Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 15 July 2025
Definition of law
Noun
  • The fund will be dedicated to empowering leaders through the college and supporting its programs on theology and social justice.
    — Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
  • Mojtaba Khamenei currently teaches theology at a religious seminary in Qom and is closely aligned with his father’s hardline views, Reuters reported, citing sources.
    — Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025
Definition of theology
Noun
  • But while listings are generally spending longer on the market, there are a few markets that remain very competitive and where the median days on the market of a home for sale actually went down last month compared to a year earlier.
    — Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
  • The scam generally starts with a listing that looks quite legitimate and there is a good reason for that.
    — Steve Weisman, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Definition of listing
Noun
  • Under Michigan's 1963 constitution, candidates for Michigan governor must be at least 30 years old, U.S. citizens and residents of Michigan who were registered to vote in Michigan for at least four years prior to the election.
    — Paul Egan, Freep.com, 14 July 2025
  • There are three different constitutions, and at the Art of Living Retreat Center, guests can learn how to improve their diets and lifestyles based on them.
    — AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 9 July 2025
Definition of constitution

Browse Nearby Words

canoes
canon
canonical
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Canon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canon. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on canon

Nglish: Translation of canon for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about canon

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

Using Bullet Points ( • )

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ten Painless Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

Better Ways to Say 'This Sucks'

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Ten Painless Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a plate of arepas
Name That Dish! Some mouth-watering food for thought
See All