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

In a world where young athletes can earn significant compensation through NIL and revenue share, the NCAA faced conceptual hurdles trying to defend prize money rules. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 May 2026

In this conceptual system, there is also an equivalence between the duties of various tribes—defense, sustenance, healing—and the overall balance of nature, in which each animal plays its part. —Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 2 May 2026

There is also the chance to go conceptual and to study the body itself—its limitations, expressions, and even contortions, say by wearing or referencing the work of Rei Kawakubo, who was the topic of a Costume Institute exhibition in 2017. —José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 1 May 2026

Original drawings are included in the exhibition, offering visitors a rare glimpse into Chihuly’s creative process and the early conceptual stages of his large-scale installations. —Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 30 Apr. 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