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.
But who conceptualizes and designs these games? — Ben Rosenstock, Time, 18 May 2026 The pair worked closely with van Herpen and her atelier to conceptualize and construct Gu’s gown. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 May 2026 Fantastic tapas and small plates are well-conceptualized and well-executed. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 June 2026 The series was conceptualized by Victoria Holmes, one of many writers penning the novels under the pseudonym Erin Hunter for HarperCollins. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 18 June 2026 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

Rhymes for conceptualize

See All Rhymes for conceptualize

Browse Nearby Words

conceptualization
conceptualize
conceptus
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conceptualize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conceptualize. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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