in theory
idiom
1
—used to say what should happen or be true if a theory is correct
In theory, the reading skills of the students should improve.
2
—used to say that something seems to be true or possible as an idea but may not actually be true or possible
I agree with you in theory, but realistically I don't think we have the time to do that.
Examples of in theory in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Dueling visions The far-right National Rally, spearheaded by Le Pen, the long-time doyenne of France’s anti-immigration camp, currently holds 88 to Macron’s bloc’s 250 seats in the 577-seat French parliament and, in theory, the upcoming election is far from a two-horse race.
—
Saskya Vandoorne, CNN, 10 June 2024
The network of sensors could — in theory — warn that the hull was failing and give the pilot enough time to escape the crushing pressures of the deep.
—William J. Broad, New York Times, 10 June 2024
That's a boon for still photography in theory, but, in this instance, the focus ring is loose to the point of being sloppy.
—PCMAG, 6 June 2024
While your guide can quickly whisk you to the front of attraction lines, in theory, a theme park nanny provides much of the same services, like expert knowledge of the parks and babysitting.
—Carly Caramanna, Parents, 5 June 2024
And while veteran free agency and the NFL Draft provided a strong group of reinforcements — in theory — some of the gems in undrafted free agency shouldn’t be overlooked as potential contributors.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 2024
Anyone who has flown from Burbank to Oakland can attest to the fact that there’s plenty of room to spread out, in theory.
—Christine Lennon, Sunset Magazine, 15 May 2024
Not having him on the roster for the first few weeks or months of the season could, in theory, help his long-term development.
—Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 23 Mar. 2024
And unlike the Air and upcoming Gravity (pictured above), the unnamed vehicle will carry an accessible price tag and, in theory, be sold in high numbers.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 12 May 2024
Saskya Vandoorne, CNN, 10 June 2024
The network of sensors could — in theory — warn that the hull was failing and give the pilot enough time to escape the crushing pressures of the deep.
—William J. Broad, New York Times, 10 June 2024
That's a boon for still photography in theory, but, in this instance, the focus ring is loose to the point of being sloppy.
—PCMAG, 6 June 2024
While your guide can quickly whisk you to the front of attraction lines, in theory, a theme park nanny provides much of the same services, like expert knowledge of the parks and babysitting.
—Carly Caramanna, Parents, 5 June 2024
And while veteran free agency and the NFL Draft provided a strong group of reinforcements — in theory — some of the gems in undrafted free agency shouldn’t be overlooked as potential contributors.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 2024
Anyone who has flown from Burbank to Oakland can attest to the fact that there’s plenty of room to spread out, in theory.
—Christine Lennon, Sunset Magazine, 15 May 2024
Not having him on the roster for the first few weeks or months of the season could, in theory, help his long-term development.
—Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 23 Mar. 2024
And unlike the Air and upcoming Gravity (pictured above), the unnamed vehicle will carry an accessible price tag and, in theory, be sold in high numbers.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 12 May 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'in theory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near in theory
Cite this Entry
“In theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20theory. Accessed 16 Jun. 2024.
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