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

• abstract
• ideal
• ideational
• metaphysical
• notional
• theoretical
• theoretic

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

Computer chip with Chinese flag, 3d conceptual illustration. —Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2025

The Village of Wilmette’s Appearance Review Commission is expected to conduct a conceptual review of the plan at its April 7 meeting, Braiman said. —Phil Rockrohr, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025

Neon lives on here with Bahamian conceptual artist Tavares Strachan’s huge red Youbelonghere sculptural signage draped across the Momentary exterior. —John Oseid, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025

That track does not appear on the album, which draws conceptual inspiration from poems contributed by the artist Nadia Marcus. —Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 26 Mar. 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