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.
Awe emerges from encounters with vastness — whether physical, conceptual, or moral — that challenge our existing mental frameworks. — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 The conceptual plan from Property Markets Group for the roughly nine-acre site at 520 Callahan Dr. calls for 1,000 apartments, 725 of which would be affordable, and incorporates a grocery store in the development. — Tyler Williams, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 May 2025 But in terms of what my mission was, in terms of making a complex nuanced portrait of an artist, and to understand Paul’s conceptual choice to separate Pee-Wee Herman from himself and the consequences of when he was arrested, that all stayed the same. — Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 27 May 2025 The newspaper said the bank consortium discussions are in early, conceptual stages and could change. — John Bacon, USA Today, 26 May 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 14 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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