conceptual

adjective

con·​cep·​tu·​al kən-ˈsep-chə-wəl How to pronounce conceptual (audio)
-chü-əl, 
kän-, 
-chəl, 
-shwəl
Synonyms of conceptual
: 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 of conceptual

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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.
Why the data matters For advanced reactor developers, experimental validation is an important part of moving from a conceptual design toward a system that can eventually undergo regulatory review and testing. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026 For many of its leading figures, from the Impressionists in the 1870s to conceptual artists a century later, this also meant proposing new and better solutions to the problem of how to be and how to live together. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026 Do computers play an essential conceptual role in this theoretical work? — Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026 Originally a conceptual artist, and later an active avant-garde recording artist, Ono was greeted with fame and, for many years, public criticism, as the wife of John Lennon. — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 25 Aug. 2026 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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