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

In addition, the event’s most unusual offering, the 220-pound, 18-karat gold toilet by the conceptual artist and enfant terrible Maurizio Cattelan, only drew a single bid. —Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 19 Nov. 2025

The research simply means AI systems can reliably work through extremely difficult problems that require deep conceptual thinking, careful math, and multi-step logic — something out of reach just a year or two ago. —Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 18 Nov. 2025

This third chapter completes the trilogy, turning Adidas icons into conceptual forms and solidifying Avavav’s place among the brand’s most visually ambitious collaborators — alongside Wales Bonner and Pharrell Williams. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2025

That’s an enormous conceptual shift. —Big Think, 12 Nov. 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