How to Use in theory in a Sentence

in theory

idiom
Definition of in theorynext
  • There isn’t a game that was scheduled to, in theory, give the Cards an easy win.
    — The Courier-Journal, 3 Jan. 2024
  • This is, at least in theory, what And Just Like That… is supposed to be about.
    — Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 20 July 2023
  • The concert is like the last thing that in theory should happen.
    — Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2024
  • And right now the three of them are running it together, in theory.
    — Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2023
  • This sounds cozy in theory, until you're asked to read that one super long book for the hundredth time.
    — Esther Carlstone, Parents, 6 Oct. 2023
  • Enough depth, in theory, to not have to use a high draft pick on an offensive tackle.
    — Ben Volin, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Aug. 2023
  • At least in theory, there is plenty of time for the dynamics of the primary to shift.
    — John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 24 June 2023
  • The network of sensors could — in theory — warn that the hull was failing and give the pilot enough time to escape the crushing pressures of the deep.
    — William J. Broad, New York Times, 10 June 2024
  • Wirfs left in the first half with a knee sprain, in theory opening the door to get to quarterback Baker Mayfield.
    — Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 17 Nov. 2024
  • The government could, in theory, cut all those workers and still run a deficit of over $1 trillion.
    — Elise Schmelzer, The Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Others noted that many of the rules are reasonable in theory but took issue with the tone of the message.
    — Toria Sheffield, People.com, 11 Jan. 2025
  • The salt in the water lends it a buoyancy that would, in theory, keep one’s head up without effort.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Curbed, 8 Aug. 2023
  • 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
  • That also means that, in theory, two members of the same party could have gone head to head in November.
    — Virginia Chamlee, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 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
  • Just be wary of gyms boasting tons of shiny new amenities that sound cool in theory but really don’t do it for you.
    — Christa Sgobba, SELF, 28 Dec. 2024
  • There was, however, a tree that photographers could, in theory, climb to get a view over the fences.
    — Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Changing the rules, could, in theory let bills that have a majority of support get a vote.
    — Maryalice Parks, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2023
  • Spending time with those people is a good thing, of course, or in theory they wouldn't be invited.
    — Jenny Porter Tilley, The Indianapolis Star, 28 Nov. 2024
  • If an embryo has all the rights of a person, then in theory, destroying it could be murder.
    — Emily Bazelon, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2024
  • That's a boon for still photography in theory, but, in this instance, the focus ring is loose to the point of being sloppy.
    — PCMAG, 6 June 2024
  • This means that, in theory, only 15 people will have a chance to weigh in on any individual item the board plans to vote on.
    — Jessica Seaman, The Denver Post, 19 Dec. 2024
  • The current expiring deal also found the two linked in theory.
    — John Benson, cleveland, 28 July 2023
  • This, in theory, provided strength in numbers and a spread of players who could better cover the width of the penalty area.
    — Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
  • Durable bins with closing, locking lids should, in theory, do a better job of keeping them out.
    — Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2024
  • Swift has a concert in Tokyo on Saturday night as part of her Eras Tour, but should in theory have enough time to make it in time for the game thanks to the 17-hour time difference.
    — Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2024
  • These guys were there, in theory, mostly to carry their boss’ water.
    — Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 2 Oct. 2024
  • The elusive dragon could, in theory, be mounted if he could ever be found.
    — Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 29 July 2024
  • 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
  • Villa, in theory, could make more than €100m from the Champions League this season.
    — Philip Buckingham, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025

Some of 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.

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