canon Synonyms
Another word for canon
• noun (Context 1)
A collection or list of sacred books accepted as genuine and authoritative, or the recognized body of works by a particular author, artist, or tradition considered most important.
"Her landmark novel quickly earned a permanent place in the twentieth-century literary corpus."
• noun (Context 2)
A general law, rule, principle, or criterion by which something is judged.
"The minimalist building defied every traditional principle of classical architecture."
• noun (Context 3)
A church decree or law, especially one enacted by an ecclesiastical council and ratified by the pope.
"The tribunal examined the marriage annulment request under traditional church canons."
• noun (Context 4)
A contrapuntal musical composition in which a melody is introduced by one voice or instrument and then imitated successively by others at fixed intervals.
"The string quartet practiced the intricate timing of the baroque round before the evening recital."
• noun (Context 5)
A member of the clergy who belongs to the chapter of a cathedral or collegiate church.
"The resident prebendary welcomed the visiting choir to the historic cathedral."
Opposites of canon
The opposite of canon shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: