In theory
In theory adverb - With regard to fundamentals although not concerning details.
Probably
Probably adverb - By reasonable assumption.
In theory and probably are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "In theory" instead an adverb "Probably".
Nearby Words: probable, probability
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
- precisely and in theory
- precisely and probably
- likely and in theory
- likely and probably
- reasonably and in theory
- reasonably and probably
- probable and in theory
- probable and probably
- contingent and in theory
- contingent and probably
- apparently and in theory
- apparently and probably
- supposedly and in theory
- supposedly and probably
Both terms in one sentence
- Two-Face is probably one of the most consistent examples, with his need to consult his trademark coin: in theory, the results of the toss are equally as likely to turn up in the hero's favor.
Source: Beat It By Compulsion - After escaping, Lycosa remarks that it's cool in theory, but would probably only work with other spiders.
- In theory, there is probably at least one pair of two old souls, but the readers aren't shown any.
Source: Reincarnation Romance
Cite this Source
Probably and In theory. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 28, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/in_theory/probably
In theory & Probably. N.p., 2016. Web. 28 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/in_theory/probably>.
Probably or In theory. 2016. Accessed July 28, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/in_theory/probably.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "in theory" and "probably" have occurred on timeline