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 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
And making Canada the 51st state would eliminate trade barriers between the two countries, in theory reducing economic inefficiencies and potentially enriching people on both sides of the border.
—Ivo H. Daalder, Foreign Affairs, 30 Jan. 2025
Granted, the success of recycling plastic is abysmal — the U.S. rate is roughly 7% — but in theory it can be done.
—Karen Mockler, The Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2025
Some are already arguing that the polling suggests that most Americans support deportation only in theory, not in practice.
—David Leonhardt, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
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Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 4 Feb. 2025
And making Canada the 51st state would eliminate trade barriers between the two countries, in theory reducing economic inefficiencies and potentially enriching people on both sides of the border.
—Ivo H. Daalder, Foreign Affairs, 30 Jan. 2025
Granted, the success of recycling plastic is abysmal — the U.S. rate is roughly 7% — but in theory it can be done.
—Karen Mockler, The Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2025
Some are already arguing that the polling suggests that most Americans support deportation only in theory, not in practice.
—David Leonhardt, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for in theory
Dictionary Entries Near in theory
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“In theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20theory. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
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