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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of conceptual
In other words, English, far from enforcing a habit of mind, accommodated a hundred-and-eighty-degree conceptual reversal without even really changing the vocabulary.
—
The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
Her current company specializes in all aspects of interior design, from the initial conceptual phase through the construction process and final installation.
—Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 30 Jan. 2025
Elsewhere, beauty this week was equal parts femme and freaky: nail art was sculptural, flipped and reversed, hair was piled high to make a poncy French monarch proud, and conceptual makeup took inspo from nature’s most ornate creatures.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2025
There is a certain conceptual power in this, as though Shahverdi were shaping the filmmaking itself, though this approach has its limits.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for conceptual 
The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
Her current company specializes in all aspects of interior design, from the initial conceptual phase through the construction process and final installation.
—Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 30 Jan. 2025
Elsewhere, beauty this week was equal parts femme and freaky: nail art was sculptural, flipped and reversed, hair was piled high to make a poncy French monarch proud, and conceptual makeup took inspo from nature’s most ornate creatures.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2025
There is a certain conceptual power in this, as though Shahverdi were shaping the filmmaking itself, though this approach has its limits.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for conceptual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conceptual
Adjective
-
This type of cosmic phenomenon is named after the famous theoretical physicist Albert Einstein, whose theory of general relativity proposed that objects with mass distort the fabric of spacetime—making such 'gravitational lensing' effects possible.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
11 Feb. 2025
-
Elsie supplements her work as an adjunct professor in theoretical physics by offering up herself as a fake girlfriend.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA TODAY,
4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Given the baroque language of the text, not to mention the metaphysical events within the narrative itself, Dieter’s exact exploits remain open for interpretation.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
7 Feb. 2025
-
As in Dante, the metaphysical landscape is taken seriously and is carefully documented, as if the reader might someday go there and need to know the rules.—
Elisa Gonzalez,
The New Yorker,
3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Art and math both explore abstract descriptions of the world, and so seeing great art and science pick out the same essential features of trees is satisfying beyond what art or science could accomplish alone.—
Mitchell Newberry,
The Conversation,
11 Feb. 2025
-
Exhibitions include a two-day event with local Black artists at the Park Shelton and a showing of abstract work by artist Anita Sewell every Wednesday–Sunday.—
Annalise Frank,
Axios,
10 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near conceptual
Cite this Entry
“Conceptual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conceptual. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share