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

Were the walnut water vessels on her windowsill conceptual sculptures? —Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 1 June 2026

The monumental paintings tower in both scale, conceptual depth, and technical skill. —Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

More conceptual questions that don’t include a number to optimize can’t easily be studied with AlphaEvolve. —ArsTechnica, 1 June 2026

In September, the Broncos announced conceptual agreements to purchase the railyard and 25 acres of Denver Water property, and by that time had also completed a host of private real estate purchases in the area. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 29 May 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