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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The case studies featured in Unleashed Potential punctuate the conceptual and turn it into literal. Essence, 24 Oct. 2025 While largely conceptual in nature, the ramifications could soon help boost advancements in telecommunications and satellite arrays. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 23 Oct. 2025 The release was billed by Cain as the final chapter in her Ethel Cain character arc — a deeply conceptual project spanning trauma, Americana, and Southern Gothic mythology. Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 21 Oct. 2025 Each story—of grocery shopping, going to the airport or going to a restaurant with a friend—had two different versions, with either conceptual or perceptual details swapped into the same overall narrative. Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conceptual

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conceptual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conceptual. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

conceptual

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

More from Merriam-Webster on conceptual

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