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

• theoretical
• theoretic
• 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

The case studies featured in Unleashed Potential punctuate the conceptual and turn it into literal. —Essence, 24 Oct. 2025

While largely conceptual in nature, the ramifications could soon help boost advancements in telecommunications and satellite arrays. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 23 Oct. 2025

The release was billed by Cain as the final chapter in her Ethel Cain character arc — a deeply conceptual project spanning trauma, Americana, and Southern Gothic mythology. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 21 Oct. 2025

Each story—of grocery shopping, going to the airport or going to a restaurant with a friend—had two different versions, with either conceptual or perceptual details swapped into the same overall narrative. —Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2025

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