conceptualize

verb

con·​cep·​tu·​al·​ize kən-ˈsep-chə-wə-ˌlīz How to pronounce conceptualize (audio)
-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 How to pronounce conceptualize (audio)
-chü-ə-
-chə-lə-ˈzā-
-shwə-lə-ˈzā-
noun
conceptualizer
kən-ˈsep-chə-wə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce conceptualize (audio)
-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 Containing Russia should be conceptualized—and celebrated—as a steady continuum of action that started before February 2022 and came into its own with the Ukrainian defense of Kyiv and battlefield advances in the fall of 2022. Liana Fix, Foreign Affairs, 28 Nov. 2023 What was initially conceptualized as an online platform for hlaykias to export their art domestically and internationally evolved into much more. Shivani Somaiya, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Nov. 2023 The brand had conceptualized a luxury line in September with not much information out, until now. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 17 Nov. 2023 Cagan says the show was conceptualized in May, written in two months, and then shot over just six days. WIRED, 14 Nov. 2023 And though her getups vary in theme — and scare factor — every year, Klum always conceptualizes her next big idea the morning after her Halloween bash, which has been ongoing since her first in 2000. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023 Ranging from straight-leg jeans with a crossover waistband to an extra-baggy set of overalls, each piece was entirely conceptualized by the stylist and comes with Madewell's affordability and size range. Halie Lesavage, Harper's BAZAAR, 3 Aug. 2023 Even more crucially, these narratives provide a means of conceptualizing radical evil. TIME, 28 Oct. 2023 Choosing a visionary to conceptualize their idea of heaven has never been more important than at this milestone. Kirsten Chuba, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conceptualize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see conceptual

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conceptualize was in 1878

Dictionary Entries Near conceptualize

Cite this Entry

“Conceptualize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conceptualize. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.

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