All Definitions for Canon
Below are all the dictionary definitions of canon:
1A group of literary works that are generally accepted as representing a field.
2A generally accepted principle
3A rule.
4The works of a writer that have been accepted as authentic.
5Those sources, especially including literary works, which are considered part of the main continuity regarding a given fictional universe
6(metonymic) these sources' content.
7A religious law or body of law decreed by the church.
8A formally codified set of criteria deemed mandatory for a particular artistic style of figurative art.
9A eucharistic prayer, particularly the Roman Canon.
10A catalogue of saints acknowledged and canonized in the Roman Catholic Church.
11In monasteries, a book containing the rules of a religious order.
12A piece of music in which the same melody is played by different voices, but beginning at different times
13A round.
14A type of clergymember serving a cathedral or collegiate church.
15A canon regular, a member of any of several Roman Catholic religious orders.
16The part of a bell by which it is suspended
17The ear or shank of a bell.
18A large size of type formerly used for printing the church canons, standardized as 48-point.
19A rent or stipend payable at some regular time, generally annual, e.g., canon frumentarius
20The Canon of the Mass.
21Title for a canon.
22A surname.
23Clipping of canonical. [Present in a canon, religious or otherwise.]
24Alternative form of cannon (“rolled and filleted loin of meat”). [A complete assembly, consisting of an artillery tube and a breech mechanism, firing mechanism or base cap, which is a component of a gun, howitzer or mortar, which may include muzzle appendages.]
25Alternative spelling of cannon (“a carom in billiards”). [A complete assembly, consisting of an artillery tube and a breech mechanism, firing mechanism or base cap, which is a component of a gun, howitzer or mortar, which may include muzzle appendages.]
26Alternative spelling of cannon (“weapon”). [A complete assembly, consisting of an artillery tube and a breech mechanism, firing mechanism or base cap, which is a component of a gun, howitzer or mortar, which may include muzzle appendages.]
27Obsolete spelling of canyon. [A valley, especially a long, narrow, steep valley, cut in rock by a river.]
28Alternative spelling of qanun. [(music) A Near Eastern and Caucasian musical instrument related to the zither, dulcimer, or harp having either 26 strings and a single bridge, or 42 strings and two bridges.]
29Alternative letter-case form of canon: a member of a chapter. [A generally accepted principle
30A rule.]
About synonyms for canon
Finding the right synonym for canon helps writers avoid repetition and add precision to their work. Defined as "A group of literary works that are generally accepted as representing a field.", canon has 0 alternatives that can fit different contexts and tones.
When choosing a synonym, consider the connotation, formality level, and audience. Some alternatives work better in casual conversation while others shine in academic or professional writing. For example, using a more formal synonym in a business email can elevate your tone, while a casual synonym might feel more natural in creative writing or dialogue.
It is also worth noting that not all synonyms are perfectly interchangeable. The context of your sentence, the surrounding words, and the intended emotional impact all play a role in selecting the best alternative. The list above provides the most common and useful replacements for canon, but always read your sentence aloud to ensure the chosen word flows naturally.