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

Buyers are still looking for the most commercial pieces, without taking the whole range or more conceptual looks. —Rhonda Richford, WWD, 7 Mar. 2025

Their dexterity in formal skills is matched by their conceptual prowess. —Shantay Robinson, ARTnews.com, 28 Feb. 2025

Image In her atelier, Ms. Greiss waved at a large felt board covered with drawings of animals, late-stage jewelry designs and conceptual collages. —Chantel Tattoli, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025

Though Barbour and Ramos have an appealing chemistry, and Ramos does some of the show’s most sincere and committed work, their scenes feel parachuted in — a conceptual twist rather than a dramaturgical necessity. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 26 Feb. 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