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

Now with two Michelin stars to his name, Salazar is currently riding high with a cuisine whose technical and conceptual sophistication puts him among the Spanish chefs of the moment. —Paul Richardson, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026

With nods to archive models updated with modern technology and styling, EXP is where designers like Ryan Forsyth, senior global product manager of collaborations and special projects at Crocs, can flex their conceptual muscle. —Riley Jones, Footwear News, 24 Feb. 2026

This distinction reflects how some institutional tokenization efforts differ from earlier blockchain experiments, particularly where equity is linked to operating businesses rather than conceptual models. —Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026

Playing off the conceptual revolution instigated by Duchamp (via Piero Manzoni and Maurizio Cattelan), Johnson’s tasty-looking treat lightens the mood and lets a viewer know to expect the unexpected in the galleries to follow. —Benjamin Lima special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 24 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