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
So, in theory, teams can reap the benefits of these lineups without enduring the drawbacks.
—
Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Simple in theory yet fiddly as hell, baking a strawberry cake that actually tastes like strawberries is no easy task.
—Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025
Their next two games — with an FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City at Wembley following their trip to face an unpredictable Spurs — should, in theory, be better suited to the counter-attacking style that has been integral to Forest’s rise.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Galaxies and dark matter are so connected in theory because galaxies are thought to form as the result of gas and dust pouring into wells in space, and these wells are created by the gravitational influence of dark matter clumps.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in theory
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Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Simple in theory yet fiddly as hell, baking a strawberry cake that actually tastes like strawberries is no easy task.
—Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025
Their next two games — with an FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City at Wembley following their trip to face an unpredictable Spurs — should, in theory, be better suited to the counter-attacking style that has been integral to Forest’s rise.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Galaxies and dark matter are so connected in theory because galaxies are thought to form as the result of gas and dust pouring into wells in space, and these wells are created by the gravitational influence of dark matter clumps.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 Apr. 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 22 Apr. 2025.
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