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

The only way to fully understand the key mechanisms of democracy is through learning their conceptual mathematical foundations. — Ismar Volić, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026

Firstman had handed him Eric Goode’s book on Area, the legendary 1980s Tribeca club where a corner might display a cheeky conceptual piece by Andy Warhol or a nude model dressed to look like a statue. — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 5 Nov. 2026

Saltfoss finalized its conceptual design in 2025 alongside the Idaho National Laboratory and Danish researchers. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026

But translating insights from language model studies to human psychology involves significant conceptual hurdles. — Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 4 Nov. 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