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.
The complex dance numbers — which help tell the story of Raúl (Rauw) and María (think West Side Story) in the Cosa Nuestra show — were conceptualized by Burgos, alongside his wife Denise Yuri-Disla, also a choreographer. Griselda Flores, Billboard, 30 May 2025 Wearing a suit by the designer, Khan also sported one of the night’s perfect dandy accessories, a walking stick, conceptualized by Mukherjee to feature a Bengal tiger in 18-karat gold and embellished with tourmalines, sapphires, old mine-cut and brilliant-cut diamonds. Laurie Brookins, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2025 The creatures, conceptualized in 2015 by an artist born in Hong Kong, Kasing Lung, began as characters in a children’s book series. Alisha Haridasani Gupta, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025 The task force was first conceptualized by Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango. Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conceptualize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conceptualize. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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