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

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

But any correspondence between string theory and experiment is gratifying to Vafa, who has spent the past four decades trying to wrest the theory from the purely conceptual realm to the point of generating testable predictions. — Quanta Magazine, 22 June 2026

Among this year’s recipients are sculptor and installation artists Kelly Akashi; performance artist Ei Arakawa-Nash, who is representing Japan at this year’s Venice Biennale; conceptual artist Alex Da Corte; and multidisciplinary artist Candice Lin. — News Desk, Artforum, 18 June 2026