in practice

idiom

used to say what is actually done or what the actual effect or result of something is
The software is designed to block pornographic websites, but in practice, it blocks many other sites as well.
In actual practice, people sometimes forget to take their medication.

Examples of in practice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sanders, though, was officially a full participant in practice for the first time since training camp. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 16 Jan. 2026 But in practice, coaches are expected to act as the ultimate motivator, recruiter, and tactician—while serving as the first and loudest recipient of blame when things go wrong. Preston Fore, Fortune, 15 Jan. 2026 He was limited in practice on Tuesday but was a full participant on Wednesday. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 Jan. 2026 But questions have arisen around whether the administration would in practice impose any limits on the chip shipments, or even if Beijing would allow their sales domestically. Reuters, NBC news, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for in practice

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In practice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20practice. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!