conceptualize

verb

con·​cep·​tu·​al·​ize kən-ˈsep-chə-wə-ˌlīz How to pronounce conceptualize (audio)
-chü-ə-,
-chə-ˌlīz,
-shwə-ˌlīz
conceptualized; conceptualizing

transitive verb

: to form a concept of
conceptualize a new car design
especially : to interpret conceptually
conceptualizing reality
conceptualization
kən-ˌsep-chə-wə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce conceptualize (audio)
-chü-ə-
-chə-lə-ˈzā-
-shwə-lə-ˈzā-
noun
conceptualizer
kən-ˈsep-chə-wə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce conceptualize (audio)
-chü-ə-
-chə-ˌlī-
-shwə-ˌlī-
noun

Examples of conceptualize in a Sentence

She described her plans to me, but I found them hard to conceptualize. He conceptualizes the family as an economic unit. A programmer needs to analyze and conceptualize in order to solve problems.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The need and work toward getting a community center such as this has been 30 years in the making, when it was first conceptualized. Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 6 Dec. 2024 In 1958, the scramjet, or supersonic combustion ramjet, was conceptualized – which would ignite fuel in a combustion chamber while air flowed through continuously at supersonic speeds, eliminating the ramjet's draggy need to slow that airflow down below the speed of sound. New Atlas, 4 Dec. 2024 Each boutique is conceptualized and designed by the brand’s in-house team. David Moin, WWD, 22 Nov. 2024 For her bathroom, Valente conceptualized a number of minimal but powerful changes that took the room from bland builder-grade to a cozy, organic, and modern. Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for conceptualize 

Word History

Etymology

see conceptual

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conceptualize was in 1878

Dictionary Entries Near conceptualize

Cite this Entry

“Conceptualize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conceptualize. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on conceptualize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!