conceptualize

verb

con·​cep·​tu·​al·​ize kən-ˈsep-chə-wə-ˌlīz 

-chü-ə-, 

-chə-ˌlīz, 

-shwə-ˌlīz

conceptualized; conceptualizing

transitive verb

: to form a concept of

conceptualize a new car design

especially : to interpret conceptually

conceptualizing reality

conceptualization

kən-ˌsep-chə-wə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

-chü-ə-, 

-chə-lə-ˈzā-, 

-shwə-lə-ˈzā-

noun

conceptualizer

kən-ˈsep-chə-wə-ˌlī-zər 

-chü-ə-, 

-chə-ˌlī-, 

-shwə-ˌlī-

noun

Examples of conceptualize in a Sentence

She described her plans to me, but I found them hard to conceptualize.

He conceptualizes the family as an economic unit.

A programmer needs to analyze and conceptualize in order to solve problems.

Recent Examples on the Web

Museum Director Angela Herrera first conceptualized the exhibit in late fall of 2025 to showcase the incredible printing presses currently hidden in the warehouse. —Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026

While some accuse protesters of being paid, other people struggle to conceptualize the idea of protesting for a cause for free. —Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026

Kane often complains on social media that state gaming laws were constructed with traditional sportsbooks in mind, a process that failed to conceptualize exchanges. —Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 4 Feb. 2026

The result is a vis-tech, nearly no-sew sneaker which was conceptualized with the use of a virtual reality design tool. —Riley Jones, Footwear News, 3 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see conceptual

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for conceptualize

• contextualize
• industrialize
• materialise
• materialize
• memorialize
• microenterprise
• overemphasize
• particularize
• revolutionise
• revolutionize
• actualize
• antagonize