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

Produced by Audiovisual From Spain in collaboration with White Horse and Apartamento, the piece takes Hayon’s conceptual and visual universe as the spine of a poetic audiovisual journey through more than a century of Spanish creativity. —Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026

Loren is the founding editor of the art and literary conceptual ‘tabloid’ On The Rag and curator of the reading series Casual Encountersz. —Sammy Loren, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026

Now that the artists have completed their conceptual designs, the next step will be identifying exterior walls in Old Town Ramona where their art can be painted on panels. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026

On paper, a song that recites hypothetical Spotify playlist titles ought to be a sharp conceptual move. —Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 13 Mar. 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