In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word which is opposite in meaning to the word "canonical", meaning standard, accepted, or officially recognised.

Introduction / Context:
This antonym question focuses on the word "canonical". In many contexts, "canonical" means conforming to a general rule, standard, or accepted body of work, such as canonical texts in literature or canonical laws in religion. It suggests something officially recognised or orthodox. Therefore, the antonym must express deviation from accepted standards or lack of official approval.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: "Canonical".
• Options: Approved, Official, Sanctioned, Unorthodox.
• We assume the sense "conforming to accepted rules or standards" rather than any highly technical mathematical usage.
• The correct antonym must express non standard, unconventional, or not officially accepted.

Concept / Approach:
"Canonical" and "orthodox" are closely related: both refer to what is generally accepted as correct or authoritative. The opposite of orthodox is unorthodox: ideas or practices that deviate from established norms. Among the options, "Unorthodox" directly captures this opposite meaning. "Approved", "Official", and "Sanctioned" all reinforce the idea of being accepted and authorised, which is similar to "canonical", not opposite.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand "canonical" as "officially recognised, standard, or authorised," as in "canonical works of literature" or "canonical law." Step 2: Examine "Unorthodox." This adjective means not conforming to traditional or established beliefs, customs, or rules, describing something unconventional or non standard. Step 3: Recognise that an unorthodox idea is precisely what would not be part of the "canonical" set of approved ideas or works. Step 4: Examine "Approved." This implies authorised or accepted, which is similar in meaning to canonical, not opposite. Step 5: Examine "Official." This too means formally approved or recognised by authority, again aligning with canonical. Step 6: Examine "Sanctioned." This means officially permitted or authorised, again close in meaning to canonical. Step 7: Conclude that only "Unorthodox" stands in clear opposition to "Canonical".

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider contrasting sentences: "This is a canonical interpretation of the text" versus "This is an unorthodox interpretation of the text." The first suggests a standard, widely accepted reading; the second suggests a non standard, unusual reading. Similarly, canonical religious practices are officially accepted; unorthodox practices deviate from them. This parallel confirms that "Unorthodox" is the antonym you need.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Approved" is wrong because it reinforces the sense of being authorised or accepted, just like canonical. "Official" is wrong because it also suggests being formally recognised by an authority. "Sanctioned" is wrong for the same reason, in its common sense of being permitted or authorised.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake is to forget that the question is asking for an opposite and to choose a word that looks similar in tone, such as "Official" or "Sanctioned". Another pitfall is not understanding the link between "canonical" and "orthodox". Remember that "Unorthodox" literally means "not orthodox", making it a natural opposite for any word that suggests conformity to accepted standards, including "canonical".

Final Answer:
The antonym of "Canonical" is Unorthodox.