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

The point of using different types of corn in the mashbill is to explore how less common varietals affect the flavor of the whiskey, which if taken to another conceptual level should influence how the wood will affect another spirit aged in the barrels. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 11 June 2026

Pre-submittal meetings are optional and go over conceptual or preliminary designs for commercial projects. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026

Founded in 2003 by conceptual artist Michael Callies, a graduate of Frankfurt’s Stadelschüle, and former banker Stephan Jaax, dépendance resisted the explosive growth model pursued by many other galleries at the dawn of the millennium. —News Desk, Artforum, 11 June 2026

Other proposals mentioned in the memo, including a hotel and more apartment units, are conceptual, Alpert said. —Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 10 June 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