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

Protecting residents will also require a conceptual shift, says Mark Kear. — Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 7 Sep. 2026

There’s a tinge of humor, too, in Zumthor’s stubbornness when designing someone’s home, as the conceptual clashes with the preferential. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026

At Jewelry Monograph, the immersive experience presents conceptual and emblematic pieces within an artistic exhibition. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026

Why the data matters For advanced reactor developers, experimental validation is an important part of moving from a conceptual design toward a system that can eventually undergo regulatory review and testing. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 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