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

Brazilian conceptual artist Ilê Sartuzi on June 18 stole a historic coin from London’s British Museum, replaced it with a replica, and dropped the original in one of the institution’s donation boxes before departing the building, according to multiple sources. —News Desk, Artforum, 16 July 2024

Coming up, she's got a role in the second season of the hit conceptual thriller Severance (2024). —Danny Horn, EW.com, 14 July 2024

Still, the conceptual mix of misguided religious fervor and diabolical predation in an American West of 160 years ago or so keeps the enterprise reasonably compelling. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 11 July 2024

The collaboration comprises two frames — Spiral 01 and Spiral 02 — and a conceptual illuminating headpiece. —Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 10 July 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