conceptual

adjective

con·​cep·​tu·​al kən-ˈsep-chə-wəl How to pronounce conceptual (audio)
-chü-əl,
kän-,
-chəl,
-shwəl
Synonyms of conceptualnext
: 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 How to pronounce conceptual (audio)
-shə-;
-chü-ˈa-
-shü-
noun
conceptually adverb

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
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.
Serra is essentially a formalist in drama, by his choices of subject, which are matched by his conceptual approach to visual compositions. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 24 June 2025 And the vibes were somewhere between downtown book launch and conceptual prank, as On the Rag — L.A.’s buzzy new literary tabloid — celebrated its arrival at Night Gallery with a cigarette-clouded bash full of poetry, prose and potting soil. — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025 Known for her intimate, sultry sound, Claudio now pushes past her established aesthetic, creating a sweeping, conceptual world that mirrors her personal and artistic evolution. — Steve Baltin, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 That was one of our key conceptual rules or guidelines. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for conceptual

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of conceptual was in 1825

Phrases Containing conceptual

Browse Nearby Words

conceptism
conceptual
conceptual art
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Cite this Entry

“Conceptual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conceptual. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

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Medical Definition

conceptual

adjective
con·​cep·​tu·​al kən-ˈsep-chə(-wə)l, kän-, -ˈsepsh-wəl How to pronounce conceptual (audio)
: of, relating to, or consisting of concepts
conceptually adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on conceptual

Nglish: Translation of conceptual for Spanish Speakers

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