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

• abstract
• ideal
• ideational
• metaphysical
• notional
• theoretical
• theoretic

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

When my mother was curating an enormous installation—constructed from church candles and cow bones—by Brazilian conceptual artist Cildo Meireles at MoMA, for example, feijoada brunches became a norm in our household. —Nora Zelevansky, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2024

The institution’s interdisciplinary approach sparked an interest in material studies and conceptual design. —Rachel Gallaher, Robb Report, 23 Mar. 2024

Staffers presented three conceptual designs for the Robertson Ranch park Monday to the Carlsbad Parks and Recreation Commission. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2024

Offering as little explanation and conceptual framing as possible helps to dissolve the border between reality and the game. —Kristen Roupenian, The New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2024

The lounge, a conceptual artwork, is decorated with Picassos and other expensive adornments and is separated from the rest of the museum with opulent green curtains. —Frances Vinall, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2024

But a glowing plant might be the set of conceptual training wheels that eases the way there. —Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2024

In addition, Close, who’s remembered for his conceptual portraiture, has an original piece hanging in the lobby. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 Mar. 2024

Take away the teetering conceptual pieces of the book and there’s little that’s distinctive about 3 Body Problem as a science fiction brand. —Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2024

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