How to Use theory in a Sentence

theory

noun
Definition of theorynext
Synonyms for theorynext
  • Her method is based on the theory that all children want to learn.
  • There are a number of different theories about the cause of the disease.
  • She proposed a theory of her own.
  • There is no evidence to support such a theory.
  • He is a specialist in film theory and criticism.
  • Investigators rejected the theory that the death was accidental.
  • Let the facts drive the theory, not the other way around.
    — John Wenzel, The Know, 25 Aug. 2019
  • The fourth theory has to do with the creators of these tools.
    — Caroline Mimbs Nyce, The Atlantic, 16 Aug. 2024
  • The blogger's theories have been proven right (and wrong) in the past.
    — Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 15 July 2024
  • Because the theory was, the Colts couldn't win this game.
    — Indystar Sports, Indianapolis Star, 31 Aug. 2019
  • For his part, Trump’s lawyer seemed more ready to spar on the legal theory than the facts of Jan. 6.
    — TIME, 8 Feb. 2024
  • This week, the process offered clues about each side’s theory of the case.
    — Deanna Paul, WSJ, 17 Jan. 2020
  • In theory, that would confirm that the ball was was short of the marker.
    — Peter Dawson, star-telegram, 30 Jan. 2018
  • The series aims to shed light on how theories like this gain traction in the U.S. and around the world.
    — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 21 June 2024
  • The problem is that there’s no way to test this theory.
    — Matt Novak / Gizmodo, Quartz, 28 Mar. 2024
  • That would fill the supply chain and, in theory, bring prices down.
    — Josh Boak, ajc, 9 Mar. 2022
  • So far, the past couple of years have proven that theory wrong.
    — Samuel Axon, Ars Technica, 31 July 2019
  • The theory is that Heuermann used a roll of tape that had been lying around the house.
    — Robert Kolker, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2023
  • What was your favorite fan theory about who was in the car?
    — Dan Snierson, EW.com, 12 Jan. 2022
  • In theory, both would have their stuff play up in short stints.
    — Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2019
  • Here’s my theory: Too many got a taste of not working and liked it.
    — Andy Kessler, WSJ, 25 Sep. 2022
  • This isn’t the first time Johnson’s theory has been aired.
    — Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2017
  • At least in theory, all of these ideas could light the way to a healthy pluralism.
    — Richard Just, Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2020
  • One theory for this change of plan has to do with status.
    — Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2019
  • In theory, the third dose would boost the immune response.
    — Lois K. Solomon, sun-sentinel.com, 11 Oct. 2021
  • In theory, that’s not how the market is supposed to work.
    — Justin Worland/houston, Time, 10 Mar. 2022
  • And there's a new, compelling theory making the rounds.
    — Christopher Rosa, Glamour, 12 Nov. 2021
  • There have been questions about the legal theory that part of it, at least, is based on.
    — CBS News, 26 Mar. 2023
  • The theory works like this: Coachella falls during a break in her Eras Tour.
    — Peter Larsen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2024
  • Current theories suggest that Trump may have mixed up Brown with other politicians.
    — Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 17 Aug. 2024

Some of these examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word '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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