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

But still, the uptick in SPARs — which, in theory, can help CPD leaders identify future misconduct patterns among rank-and-file officers — also coincides with long-standing concerns voiced by the independent monitoring team that assesses the city’s compliance with the federal consent decree. —Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025

This framework could, in theory, serve a metatextual purpose, but the film’s stylizations rarely deviate from it even in brief moments of greater joy and intimacy. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 Feb. 2025

This experience has given me a deeper appreciation for AI's potential, not just in theory but in practical applications that help marketing professionals find innovative solutions. —Don Dodds, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

Even the top two No. 3 seeds, Wisconsin and Michigan State, could in theory make cases by dominating from here, though both likely have the 2-line as a ceiling. —Joe Rexrode, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025

Rhymes for in theory

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