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

The high-yield savings account, in theory, could see its interest rate rise alongside Fed rate hikes or other economic movement and that could soon mean greater interest-earning potential compared to the CD rate which will hold for 12 months. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Some recent incidents have shown what AI is capable of in the real world, not just in theory, igniting fears about whether the technology is advancing too quickly. — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026

The surging popularity of democratic socialism on the left wing of American politics reflects the same dynamic—an embrace of socialism in theory that is, in practice, a complaint about malfunctioning consumer capitalism. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026

The development of a fully-fledged quantum computer could, in theory, break the digital signature codes that protect bitcoin wallets, with recent research suggesting almost 7 million bitcoin worth nearly $500 billion is at risk. — Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for in theory

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