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

For the moment though, the arm-packing robo-mower is still conceptual, and the NexLawn team hasn't revealed any production plans. —New Atlas, 11 Sep. 2025

Thom Browne, designer The designer has become globally recognized for his avant-garde approach to women’s and men’s, couture and even home, with conceptual runway shows that are must-sees in New York and Paris. —Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025

The companies have also rolled out a conceptual image of the drone system, which looks like a missile in some ways. —Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025

In line, a large meta-analysis shows little empirical or conceptual difference between EQ and impression management. —Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 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