non-canonical
Outside accepted scripture
Non-canonical describes something outside the accepted or authoritative body of works.
In religious contexts, non-canonical texts are those excluded from official scripture.
In fiction, non-canonical material falls outside the official storyline established by creators: The holiday special is non-canonical.
The term appears in academic, literary, and fan discussions to distinguish unofficial or disputed material from what's considered authentic or binding.
Contrary to accepted doctrine
- unconventionalDeparting from standard practice
- nonstandardDeparting from established norms
- irregularDeviating from normal patterns
- deviantOne diverging from norms
aberrant · anomalous · heretical · idiosyncratic · eccentric · nonconformist · unsanctioned · unapproved
Unverified and probably untrue
- fanfictionAmateur work using existing characters
- headcanonUnconfirmed fan-created backstory
- spinoffDerived work from original
- retellingNarrating something anew
reimagining · adaptation · reinterpretation · pastiche · parody · deconstruction · subversion · crossover
heterodox
Contrary to accepted doctrine
- unconventionalDeparting from standard practice
- nonstandardDeparting from established norms
- irregularDeviating from normal patterns
deviant · aberrant · anomalous · heretical · idiosyncratic · eccentric · nonconformist · unsanctioned · unapproved · disputed
apocryphal
Unverified and probably untrue
- fanfictionAmateur work using existing characters
- headcanonUnconfirmed fan-created backstory
- spinoffDerived work from original
retelling · reimagining · adaptation · reinterpretation · pastiche · parody · deconstruction · subversion · crossover · transformative
- Apocryphaapocrypha, Gospel of Thomas, Judith, Susanna, pseudepigrapha
- Biblical TextsJudith, Susanna, Septuagint, Hebrew Bible, Dead Sea Scrolls
non-canonicalcanonical
Accepted as standard
authoritative · official · authorized · accepted · sanctioned
non-canonicalcanonical
Accepted as standard
orthodox · standard · normative · regular · conventional
non-canonicalorthodox
Conforming to established belief
canonical · traditional · mainstream · established · conventional
canonical, canon, canons, canonize, canonized, canonization, canonizing, canonicity, canonically