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
The Celtics’ identity has been wrapped up in maximizing advantages, in theory.
—
Jared Weiss, New York Times, 11 May 2025
Intended to protect neighborhoods from the burdens of development, community benefits agreements rely, in theory, on community input.
—Esther Sun, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2025
And, in theory, the industry understands the value of digital transformation, too.
—Bojan Čekrlić, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
To city residents, the car is mostly a pleasure vehicle, or—in theory, at least—a convenience.
—Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for in theory
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Jared Weiss, New York Times, 11 May 2025
Intended to protect neighborhoods from the burdens of development, community benefits agreements rely, in theory, on community input.
—Esther Sun, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2025
And, in theory, the industry understands the value of digital transformation, too.
—Bojan Čekrlić, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
To city residents, the car is mostly a pleasure vehicle, or—in theory, at least—a convenience.
—Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 5 May 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 15 May. 2025.
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