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

Installed within the gallery’s bookshelves, drawings, videos, and ancillary objects operate as an open notebook or cabinet of curiosities—satellites to the primary sculptures that reveal the conceptual and material thinking behind the work. —Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026

Series kicked off in the late 1990s, starting with Leaves, which included Calamus, Lily, Tea, Mint and Shiso, to give the conceptual idea of various leaves. —Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 16 Feb. 2026

Gartside tended to lead with the deconstructionist angle on his writing, and most critics seemed to take it as a given that all the lovey-dovey stuff was conceptual cleverness, a way of infiltrating pop and turning its lingua franca in on itself. —Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 15 Feb. 2026

The play’s split focus, moving between 1958 and the present, is a sign of conceptual ambition. —Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 14 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