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

• theoretical
• theoretic
• 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

For more than a decade, Bea Interiors Design has offered a full range of services including conceptual design, custom furniture and finishes, project coordination, art procurement and installation, and lighting and furniture design. —Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 7 July 2025

But officials have shelved early, more ambitious conceptual features, partly because of environmental limitations. —John Tuohy, IndyStar, 2 July 2025

Her approach is deeply textured, merging the decorative excess of Rococo with conceptual contemporary art. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

After pausing his conceptual menswear label in 2019, Benan resurfaced, quietly, with B+, a new line built on luxurious menswear conveying an attitude, which was eventually rebranded under the Umit Benan moniker with the D Capital acquisition, the fund’s first in the fashion space. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 20 June 2025

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