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

Since evolution is the conceptual foundation for all biology, this flawed perspective can hinder all biological and biomedical science. —Kevin Omland, The Conversation, 9 Feb. 2026

Diesel asks at the top of the spot (below), which shows footage of riders speeding through a conceptual rendering of the coaster — featuring vehicles that rotate along a course that also includes three inversions. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Feb. 2026

My ultimate goal is to combine this conceptual part with products and do more artwork that inspires more people. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026

Xuan Nu fighters are also a conceptual spacecraft, a hypothetical 6th generation jet showcased at tech exhibitions to get students and the public hyped for careers in engineering and science. —Joe Wilkins Published Feb 4, Futurism, 4 Feb. 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