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

This validation ensures the project is mature enough to move from the conceptual stage into the final, detailed design. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 11 Mar. 2026

But this move comes at a conceptual cost. —Conor Feehly, Big Think, 10 Mar. 2026

Compassionate Venus and conceptual Neptune combine to bless your 5th House of Amusement with extra inspiration. —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026

For the big brains at Pixar, always up for a conceptual challenge, interspecies communication is not a given to be embraced but a problem to be solved. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 6 Mar. 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