preconception

noun

pre·​con·​cep·​tion ˌprē-kən-ˈsep-shən 

1

: a preconceived idea

2

: prejudice

Synonyms of preconception

• theory
• assumption

Examples of preconception in a Sentence

I came to the lecture without any preconceptions.

tried to go into the training sessions without any preconceptions

Recent Examples on the Web

People have a lot of preconceptions about country music, especially lately. — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

The moderator pointed out that film fans and the wider public hold plenty of preconceptions about the director. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026

The Middle Ages is a period freighted with the immense weight of outdated preconceptions. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026

Starting from pre-pregnancy, starting from preconception, parents are told to start managing their health, to start managing all possible risks through nutrition and vitamins and supplements and exercise. — Nicholas Florko, STAT, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for preconception

• apperception
• contraception
• interception
• misconception
• misperception
• conception
• deception
• exception
• inception
• perception
• reception
• intussusception

Medical Definition

preconception

adjective

pre·​con·​cep·​tion -kən-ˈsep-shən 

: occurring prior to conception

preconception genetic counseling