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

Here in this country, Republican opposition to public ownership remains implacable, at least in theory. —John Cassidy, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025

Carolina, in theory, should be able to run on the Saints — with both Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard — and barring big plays should be able to handle business on defense. —Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2025

Adopting these federal tax cuts for businesses could, at least in theory, attract businesses to Idaho, said Seth Ruhter, who teaches courses on economics and corporate finance at the College of Idaho. —Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 9 Nov. 2025

This phenomenon has long been debated in theory, but now the impact can be observed directly across a large population of stars. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025

Rhymes for in theory

• kashmiri
• beery
• bleary
• cheery
• cirri
• dearie
• deary
• dreary
• eerie
• kiri
• leary
• leery