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

But when Beaverton began conceptualizing a relaunch of the line in 2024, the designers shifted their focus to the growing sport of trail running, where marquee races are rarely shorter than 50km. — Daniel Varghese, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Similarly, other research showed how marketing to the millennial generation meant conceptualizing that cohort as being eager to divulge their lives online. — Michael Serazio, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026

Created in tandem with founder Morgane Sézalory, it was conceptualized to feel more like a Parisian home than a traditional retail space. — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026

With its magnetic shroud shoelace cover and dressy patent leather toe, the Air Jordan 16 was conceptualized in 2001 during an unusual period of Jordan’s legacy. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see conceptual

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for conceptualize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize
• democratize