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
Not in theory, but in practice.
—
Seth Joseph, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Many Evanstonians favor increasing the housing supply in theory, but opposition quickly surfaces when developers attempt to turn the conceptual into reality.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025
If bookmaking was in theory the keel that kept the ship upright, in practice Bowyer often treated it as another gamble, priding himself on taking bets that his competition wouldn’t touch.
—David Amsden, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2025
So, in theory, you’re not charged more simply for driving an EV.
—Brian Sloan, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in theory
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Seth Joseph, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Many Evanstonians favor increasing the housing supply in theory, but opposition quickly surfaces when developers attempt to turn the conceptual into reality.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025
If bookmaking was in theory the keel that kept the ship upright, in practice Bowyer often treated it as another gamble, priding himself on taking bets that his competition wouldn’t touch.
—David Amsden, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2025
So, in theory, you’re not charged more simply for driving an EV.
—Brian Sloan, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2025
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 9 Sep. 2025.
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