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

The designs were puckish and gender-bending, evoking both awe and repulsion—the sort of clothing that titillates lovers of conceptual fashion and bewilders the uninitiated. —Ana Karina Zatarain, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2025

Melrose sees Bernvill and Manai-Platt muse on the legacy of Austrian American modernist Rudolph Schindler and the conceptual approach of Japanese artist Hiroshi Sugimoto. —Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2025

The tapestries are more conceptual than literal — no helixes or biochemical formulas in sight. —Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025

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

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