conceptual

adjective

con·​cep·​tu·​al kən-ˈsep-chə-wəl How to pronounce conceptual (audio)
-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 How to pronounce conceptual (audio)
-shə-;
-chü-ˈa-
-shü-
noun
conceptually adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for conceptual

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of conceptual was in 1825

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conceptual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conceptual. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

conceptual

adjective
: of, relating to, or consisting of concepts
conceptually adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on conceptual

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