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

Contemporary research shows that the problem is deeper than inconsistent metrics or conceptual ambiguity. —Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Tesla and Panasonic have sponsored a study for a commuter rail system and have also provided funding to the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada, which is working with Boring Co on conceptual designs and a feasibility report for a tunnel. —Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 17 Jan. 2026

These conceptual models, though, aren’t a real-time physical understanding of the world because LLMs can’t update their training data in real time. —Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 17 Jan. 2026

The final section is dedicated to contemporary designers, stylists and artisans presenting bold, conceptual jewelry pieces. —Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 16 Jan. 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