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 tanks appear to be operating in a live-fire environment, suggesting the modification is being evaluated under realistic combat conditions rather than as a purely conceptual or parade-ground upgrade. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 29 Dec. 2025

Beyond looks, conceptual ideas certainly animate Queue’s most recent show. —Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 29 Dec. 2025

Muschamp watched the Longhorns' practice Sunday in Orlando, but won't officially join the program until January, and any schematic and conceptual changes to the Texas defense will take place in the spring. —Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 28 Dec. 2025

In this conceptual romance, Rachel (Vic Michaelis) gets stuck in a time loop, reliving the seventh night of Hanukkah. —Janey Tracey, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Dec. 2025

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