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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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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 These artists’ voices are integral to the canon and the evolving discourse around global modernism(s). The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 2 Jan. 2025 His 2002 album The Eminem Show managed 159 frames, while Curtain Call 2, the sequel to the original, which includes more recent additions to his canon, is not far behind. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024 It’s been said John Cena will reprise his role, and the entire second season of Peacemaker will be canon to the DCU with some sort of explanation attached. Paul Tassi, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 The old tradition that the bride’s parents should cover the bill is no longer nuptial canon. Virginia Van Zanten, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for canon 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canon
Noun
  • During the rise of the Nazis in the 1930s, several pastors and theologians joined forces to resist the influence of Nazi doctrine over German Protestant churches.
    Joanne M. Pierce, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Bothwell discussed various legal grounds to attack the project, from a health and safety perspective to home rule doctrine.
    Steven Mihailovich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • More than 100,000 people are on the U.S. transplant list, most who need a kidney, and thousands die waiting.
    CBS News, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Watch on Deadline After the flurry of nominations announcements, next comes the inevitable lists of nomination snubs and surprises.
    Cathy Schulman, Deadline, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Outgoing President Joe Biden signed a law last April that gave ByteDance 270 days to sell TikTok to an owner from the United States or one of its allies or face a ban.
    Clare Duffy, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025
  • By Alison Durkee In April, President Joe Biden signed a law that prohibits U.S. app stores from hosting TikTok unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, relinquishes ownership.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Vance reflects a retrograde understanding of Catholic theology, one that was superseded 60 years ago.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Madrasas emphasize Islamic theology, often with sectarian leanings, and Arabic, a language not widely spoken in Pakistan.
    Zia ur-Rehman, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The listing presents a rare opportunity for a new buyer, Compass listing agent Neal Ward said.
    David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Contrary to realty ethics rules, Pearl did not disclose in the listing that the house doesn’t have a certificate of occupancy, and its building permit expired Feb. 15.
    Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • And ultimately, South Koreans may decide the time has come to revise the constitution, written in 1948 under U.S. military occupation and last revised in 1987 under military dictatorship.
    John Delury, Foreign Affairs, 27 Jan. 2025
  • South Korea's constitution gives the president the power to declare martial law to keep order in wartime and other comparable emergency states, but many experts say the country wasn't under such conditions when Yoon declared martial law.
    HYUNG-JIN KIM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 27 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near canon

Cite this Entry

“Canon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canon. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

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