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
However, in theory, either one of these guys could be available as Chicago may be looking to shore up their guard room and usher in the next era of Bulls basketball.
—
Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Still, there are a handful on the roster who could, in theory, still be here in 2031.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2025
The activity takes under 10-15 minutes to complete, which should in theory keep students who have shorter attention spans engaged while managing to deliver the core concept in a short, interactive way.
—Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 10 Sep. 2025
The show has had its ups and downs over the years but has attained the sturdiness of a cozy British mystery, the kind where bodies pile improbably high in otherwise charming villages and the format can, in theory, run forever.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in theory
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Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Still, there are a handful on the roster who could, in theory, still be here in 2031.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2025
The activity takes under 10-15 minutes to complete, which should in theory keep students who have shorter attention spans engaged while managing to deliver the core concept in a short, interactive way.
—Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 10 Sep. 2025
The show has had its ups and downs over the years but has attained the sturdiness of a cozy British mystery, the kind where bodies pile improbably high in otherwise charming villages and the format can, in theory, run forever.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 9 Sep. 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 13 Sep. 2025.
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