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
Winter ball, in theory, could’ve provided Luciano with an opportunity to develop his game on both sides of the ball.
—
Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, 14 Feb. 2025
Yet legal experts say a president's order cannot override an act of Congress, and that doing business with TikTok is still, in theory, punishable with steep fines.
—Bobby Allyn, NPR, 13 Feb. 2025
The moves also allow New York to shift Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base, which in theory means the new-look Yankees should be better defensively at four positions: second base, center field, right field and third base.
—Jim Bowden, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025
The alleged hack is only the latest to target smart contracts, which in theory are enforced by code that can't be interfered with by humans once executed.
—Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 4 Feb. 2025
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Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, 14 Feb. 2025
Yet legal experts say a president's order cannot override an act of Congress, and that doing business with TikTok is still, in theory, punishable with steep fines.
—Bobby Allyn, NPR, 13 Feb. 2025
The moves also allow New York to shift Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base, which in theory means the new-look Yankees should be better defensively at four positions: second base, center field, right field and third base.
—Jim Bowden, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025
The alleged hack is only the latest to target smart contracts, which in theory are enforced by code that can't be interfered with by humans once executed.
—Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 4 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for in theory
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 19 Feb. 2025.
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