deontic

adjective

de·​on·​tic (ˌ)dē-ˈän-tik How to pronounce deontic (audio)
: of or relating to moral obligation : deontological

Word History

Etymology

Greek deont-, deon that which is obligatory, from neuter of present participle of dein to lack, be needful — more at deuter-

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deontic was in 1951

Rhymes for deontic

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Browse Nearby Words

Deo gratias
deontic
deontological
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deontic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deontic. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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