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

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

Simple in theory yet fiddly as hell, baking a strawberry cake that actually tastes like strawberries is no easy task. —Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025

Their next two games — with an FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City at Wembley following their trip to face an unpredictable Spurs — should, in theory, be better suited to the counter-attacking style that has been integral to Forest’s rise. —Paul Taylor, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025

Galaxies and dark matter are so connected in theory because galaxies are thought to form as the result of gas and dust pouring into wells in space, and these wells are created by the gravitational influence of dark matter clumps. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Rhymes for in theory

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