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
One of the biggest components of the capital program is the construction of replacement jails to enable, in theory, the closure of Rikers Island.
—
Eric Kober, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026
Players Era’s ties to RedBird IMI, the $10 billion investment company led by Jeff Zucker, appeared to offer—at least in theory—a financial safety net for the event’s operations.
—Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 17 Feb. 2026
Mark Critchley Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League) Tottenham are, in theory, one of the world’s most promising football clubs.
—The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026
The consolation prize for disgruntled local talent is the best British film award, which five years ago expanded its field to 10 nominees — in theory to better reflect the breadth and diversity of British cinema, though the risk of greater expansion is that exclusions become more pointed.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for in theory
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Eric Kober, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026
Players Era’s ties to RedBird IMI, the $10 billion investment company led by Jeff Zucker, appeared to offer—at least in theory—a financial safety net for the event’s operations.
—Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 17 Feb. 2026
Mark Critchley Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League) Tottenham are, in theory, one of the world’s most promising football clubs.
—The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026
The consolation prize for disgruntled local talent is the best British film award, which five years ago expanded its field to 10 nominees — in theory to better reflect the breadth and diversity of British cinema, though the risk of greater expansion is that exclusions become more pointed.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for in theory
Cite this Entry
“In theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20theory. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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