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

Chaikesh learned to conceptualize and think of AI not as a black box (as in, an obtuse system where users can’t follow its internal logic) but as a discipline grounded in clarity and fundamentals. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025

Easy to conceptualize and difficult to pull off, the company’s mission has been to consolidate the frustratingly fragmented world of live event ticketing into one seamless ecosystem that benefits artists, venues, and fans alike. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2025

Skull implants have continued to be a huge part of the business, but the company has since expanded into other areas of the body such as foot, ankle, and facial reconstruction products, all conceptualized with 3D designs. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 2 Nov. 2025

The best way of conceptualizing reality in light of modern science is in terms of the relative information that pieces of nature have about one another. —Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025

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