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

The 2025 season has been highly competitive, which, in theory, should bolster viewership. —Maury Brown, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

When the game was still knotted heading into a second overtime period, their lack of depth, in theory, should have been exposed. —Peter Baugh, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025

The tiniest interaction with its environment could, in theory interrupt it — thus destroying the information it was intended to carry. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025

So, in theory, teams can reap the benefits of these lineups without enduring the drawbacks. —Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

Rhymes for in theory

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