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

Their version is irreverent, but less conceptual and didactic about its sense of humor. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 26 Sep. 2026

In addition, the museum’s curators tended to be specialized in material culture — collecting and studying the museum’s several million objects and artifacts — rather than in conceptual storytelling. — Alec MacGillis, ProPublica, 24 Sep. 2026

From 1998, Liu began to explore the conceptual approach of making an incision—creating something akin to a wound. — Lavender Au, ARTnews.com, 21 Sep. 2026

Historically, underscores hasn’t written much about her personal life, opting for conceptual work. — Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 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