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
And while veteran free agency and the NFL Draft provided a strong group of reinforcements — in theory — some of the gems in undrafted free agency shouldn’t be overlooked as potential contributors.
—
Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 2024
Anyone who has flown from Burbank to Oakland can attest to the fact that there’s plenty of room to spread out, in theory.
—Christine Lennon, Sunset Magazine, 15 May 2024
Not having him on the roster for the first few weeks or months of the season could, in theory, help his long-term development.
—Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 23 Mar. 2024
And unlike the Air and upcoming Gravity (pictured above), the unnamed vehicle will carry an accessible price tag and, in theory, be sold in high numbers.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 12 May 2024
The model could, in theory, be used to help customer service agents understand when a customer is being sarcastic.
—Emily Price, PCMAG, 11 May 2024
Today, there’s tons of fitness content at your fingertips, which sounds great in theory but also…isn’t.
—Christa Sgobba, SELF, 23 Apr. 2024
Kim said after that test the development of the IRBM system was as important to North Korea’s security as its intercontinental ballistic missiles, which in theory could reach the United States mainland.
—Brad Lendon, CNN, 2 Apr. 2024
So white-collar workers could, in theory, be superpowered by AI.
—Will Knight, WIRED, 11 Apr. 2024
Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 2024
Anyone who has flown from Burbank to Oakland can attest to the fact that there’s plenty of room to spread out, in theory.
—Christine Lennon, Sunset Magazine, 15 May 2024
Not having him on the roster for the first few weeks or months of the season could, in theory, help his long-term development.
—Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 23 Mar. 2024
And unlike the Air and upcoming Gravity (pictured above), the unnamed vehicle will carry an accessible price tag and, in theory, be sold in high numbers.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 12 May 2024
The model could, in theory, be used to help customer service agents understand when a customer is being sarcastic.
—Emily Price, PCMAG, 11 May 2024
Today, there’s tons of fitness content at your fingertips, which sounds great in theory but also…isn’t.
—Christa Sgobba, SELF, 23 Apr. 2024
Kim said after that test the development of the IRBM system was as important to North Korea’s security as its intercontinental ballistic missiles, which in theory could reach the United States mainland.
—Brad Lendon, CNN, 2 Apr. 2024
So white-collar workers could, in theory, be superpowered by AI.
—Will Knight, WIRED, 11 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'in theory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near in theory
Cite this Entry
“In theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20theory. Accessed 4 Jun. 2024.
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