in theory

phrase

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

Pacific Fusion’s system, at least in theory, charges on the scale of seconds and then requires only one compression. — Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Adding this to European soft money sources will, in theory, attract more content makers to use Italy as a production base and maybe even get more Italian stories on screen. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2026

The lawmakers’ staff would also backchannel with the Navy after the bill was passed to make sure contracting offices knew to direct the money to Navatek, emails seen by ProPublica show — even though the contracts were in theory competitive. — Molly Redden, ProPublica, 20 Oct. 2026

April 20 – May 20 A plan may sound good in theory but feel less appealing once the practical details show up. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

Rhymes for in theory

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