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

Government attorneys have stressed in court that the president’s broader redevelopment remained conceptual. — Rick Maese, Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2026

He is considered a contemporary conceptual artist whose work explores themes of migration, colonialism and being gay. — David Moin, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Võ, whose practice additionally spans drawing, painting, and sculpture is known for highly conceptual installations incorporating documents, photos, and found objects. — News Desk, Artforum, 15 Oct. 2026

Sacrifice starts off as an effective satire (aided immeasurably by Evans’s very funny performance) and then transforms into a quest narrative, at which point its humor becomes more conceptual. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Oct. 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