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

Christo and Jeanne-Claude were successful, acknowledged, and respected conceptual artists. —Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025

That’s when math gets harder and more conceptual. —Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 5 Nov. 2025

And with Dior impacted by the luxury downturn and global turmoil as of late, Anderson will be charged with blending his conceptual and clean design codes with the Dior DNA to give the megabrand a boost. —Vogue Business Team, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2025

Maybe Nat’s new life was also a work of art, in some strange, sweet, conceptual sense. —James Marcus, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 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