conceptual

adjective

con·​cep·​tu·​al kən-ˈsep-chə-wəl 

-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 

-shə-;

-chü-ˈa-, 

-shü-

noun

conceptually adverb

Synonyms of conceptual

• theoretical
• metaphysical
• abstract

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

The conceptual vocabulary of tribal psychology appears increasingly necessary to make sense of this. — Michael Morris, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026

His work ranged from conceptual installations to assemblage sculptures and paintings. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

From Disruption Management To Business Continuity The shift that airlines need to make is both conceptual and technological. — Abha Dogra, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

However, sparse physical controls force heavy reliance on voice commands or the companion app, and the broader conceptual AI features fall short of being genuinely useful. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026

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

Phrases Containing conceptual

• conceptual art

Medical Definition

conceptual

adjective

con·​cep·​tu·​al kən-ˈsep-chə(-wə)l, kän-, -ˈsepsh-wəl 

: of, relating to, or consisting of concepts

conceptually adverb