in principle
On paper, anyway
In principle describes agreement with an idea or plan at the theoretical level, without committing to specifics or implementation: We agree in principle, but the details need work.
It often signals qualified support—acceptance of the concept while leaving room for objections to particulars.
Sometimes it hedges toward skepticism: something that works in principle may fail in practice.
In assumed circumstances
- conceptuallyIn abstract terms
- speculativelyIn a theorizing manner
- notionallyIn theory only
- assumedlyBy reasonable supposition
putatively · conjecturally · academically · abstractly · philosophically · tentatively · provisionally · plausibly
In the best manner
- perfectlyWithout any flaw
- best-caseMost favorable possible situation
- all things being equalAssuming equivalent conditions prevail
- utopianImpractically perfect in conception
in a perfect world · model · exemplary · archetypally · impeccably · flawlessly · consummately · in the abstract
At its core nature
- basicallyAt the most essential level
- inherentlyBy essential nature
- intrinsicallyBy its very nature
- at heartAt one's core
at bottom · underlying · elementally · substantively · quintessentially · primordially · radically · per se
hypothetically
In assumed circumstances
- conceptuallyIn abstract terms
- speculativelyIn a theorizing manner
- notionallyIn theory only
assumedly · putatively · conjecturally · academically · abstractly · philosophically · tentatively · provisionally · plausibly · analytically
optimally
In the best manner
- perfectlyWithout any flaw
- best-caseMost favorable possible situation
- all things being equalAssuming equivalent conditions prevail
in a perfect world · utopian · model · exemplary · archetypally · impeccably · flawlessly · consummately · in the abstract
essentially
At its core nature
- basicallyAt the most essential level
- inherentlyBy essential nature
- intrinsicallyBy its very nature
at heart · at bottom · underlying · elementally · substantively · quintessentially · primordially · radically · per se · in essence
in principlein practice
As things really happen
in reality · in fact · on the ground · in effect · actually
in principledefinitively
With final authority
unconditionally · absolutely · categorically · without reservation · unequivocally
principal, principle, principled, unprincipled, principally, principality, principalities