conceptual

adjective

con·​cep·​tu·​al kən-ˈsep-chə-wəl How to pronounce conceptual (audio)
-chü-əl,
kän-,
-chəl,
-shwəl
: of, relating to, or consisting of concepts
conceptual thinking
the project's conceptual and technical hurdles
conceptual designs
conceptuality
kən-ˌsep-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē How to pronounce conceptual (audio)
-shə-;
-chü-ˈa-
-shü-
noun
conceptually adverb

Examples of conceptual in a Sentence

The plans have both conceptual and practical difficulties. conceptual thinking is often the most demanding kind of mental activity
Recent Examples on the Web Offering as little explanation and conceptual framing as possible helps to dissolve the border between reality and the game. Kristen Roupenian, The New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2024 The lounge, a conceptual artwork, is decorated with Picassos and other expensive adornments and is separated from the rest of the museum with opulent green curtains. Frances Vinall, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2024 But a glowing plant might be the set of conceptual training wheels that eases the way there. Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2024 In addition, Close, who’s remembered for his conceptual portraiture, has an original piece hanging in the lobby. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 Mar. 2024 Take away the teetering conceptual pieces of the book and there’s little that’s distinctive about 3 Body Problem as a science fiction brand. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2024 Victoria Beckham entered a more conceptual, sculptural design phase that is anything but Insta-baiting. Alice Pfeiffer, CNN, 6 Mar. 2024 Redondo also noted that conceptual drawings have been completed for a permanent 3,000-seat stadium at Barnes Tennis Center’s center court, with construction timing to be determined. Glae Thien, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2024 In fact, since the earliest days of electronic computing and the Turing test, AI has been part of the conceptual discourse. David Rothschild, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conceptual.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin conceptualis of thought, from Late Latin conceptus act of conceiving, thought, from Latin concipere — see concept entry 1

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conceptual was in 1825

Dictionary Entries Near conceptual

Cite this Entry

“Conceptual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conceptual. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

conceptual

adjective
: of, relating to, or consisting of concepts
conceptually adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on conceptual

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