Synonyms of conceptual

conceptual

adjective

kən-ˈsep-chə-wəl 

as in theoretical

dealing with or expressing a quality or idea

conceptual thinking is often the most demanding kind of mental activity

Synonyms & Similar Words

• theoretical
• metaphysical
• abstract
• mental
• intellectual
• speculative
• spiritual
• ideal
• hypothetical
• ideational
• notional
• cosmic
• transcendental
• invisible
• conjectural
• intangible
• immaterial
• romantic
• utopian
• ethereal
• insubstantial
• impractical
• transcendent
• imperceptible
• incorporeal
• nonphysical
• visionary
• nonmaterial
• unreal
• unsubstantial
• impalpable
• insensible

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• concrete
• physical
• substantial
• tangible
• material
• visible
• discernible
• appreciable
• actual
• perceptible
• definite
• observable
• sensible
• distinct
• real
• noticeable
• detectable
• nonabstract
• palpable
• factual
• defined

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of conceptual

His work, which blends documentary photography with conceptual practice, has earned honors including the Hasselblad Award and the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 2 July 2026

An artist's rendering of development of a conceptual moon base near the lunar south pole. — Denise Chow, NBC news, 30 June 2026

Rick Owens was also repeatedly mentioned for directly addressing the heat, with a collection that used cooling, breathable and water-inspired elements that felt both conceptual and practical for the weather in Paris. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 29 June 2026

Rarely is there much conceptual overlap between the categories of pedant and genius. — Clare Bucknell, The New York Review of Books, 27 June 2026