de·on·tol·o·gist
(ˌ)dēˌän‧ˈtäləjə̇st 
1
: a specialist in deontology
2
: a philosopher advocating a deontological theory of ethics
—contrasted with axiologist
Examples of deontology in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Sankar Sen, The Conversation, 11 June 2026
The Trolley Problem is a thought experiment in ethics that presents a moral dilemma, often used to explore the principles of consequentialism and deontology.
—Reece Rogers, WIRED, 3 Mar. 2024
Utilitarianism, which focuses on the consequences of an action, is typically opposed to deontology, which says morality is determined by the act itself.
—Olivia Goldhill, Quartz, 19 Mar. 2020
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Noun
Where deontology focuses on duties, this school focuses on character virtues, such as fairness, courage and wisdom.
—Sankar Sen, The Conversation, 11 June 2026
The Trolley Problem is a thought experiment in ethics that presents a moral dilemma, often used to explore the principles of consequentialism and deontology.
—Reece Rogers, WIRED, 3 Mar. 2024
Utilitarianism, which focuses on the consequences of an action, is typically opposed to deontology, which says morality is determined by the act itself.
—Olivia Goldhill, Quartz, 19 Mar. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Deontology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deontology. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
deontology
noun
de·on·tol·o·gy
ˌdē-ˌän-ˈtäl-ə-jē
plural deontologies
: the theory or study of moral obligation
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