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

On the other hand, the Republic of Korea said that more conceptual clarity is needed for the concept of value creation. —Nana Ama Sarfo, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025

Town consultants have created a conceptual plan showing 214 apartments spread between the Daniels Mill, the adjacent Anacoil Mill and the Amerbelle complex. —Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 8 Aug. 2025

And yet thinking of ψ as an object that exists in the world raises its own constellation of conceptual challenges. —Quanta Magazine, 8 Aug. 2025

Early conceptual maps of Disneyland drawn by Disney Legends Harper Goff in 1951 and Marvin Davis in 1953 reveal a host of early ideas that were never realized at the Anaheim theme park. —Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 7 Aug. 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