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

Much of Jewish Iraqi American conceptual artist Michael Rakowitz’s work focuses on re-creating or giving new life to religious materials that were stolen, damaged or destroyed amid war and persecution. — Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

However, this remains a conceptual demonstration, not a system that has discovered an extraterrestrial transmission. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 2026

Various conceptual plans have emerged for the property over the past decade, but none advanced to construction. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026

Regional Transit had applied for and received $700,000 in grants to complete the study and conceptual design for a BRT through Natomas. — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026

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