devising

American  

[dih-vahy-zing] / dɪˈvaɪ zɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or process of planning, inventing, or contriving (often used attributively).

   The devising, manufacturing, and distributing of antimalaria supplies and equipment was critical to the army’s success.

   The devising of a phonemic writing system has posed problems since the earliest times.

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Etymology

Origin of devising

devis(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

The Lib Dems said the new Department for Growth would have responsibility for setting taxes, devising growth strategy, deciding on strategic national infrastructure projects and setting rules on public spending.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

By devising a tax-efficient and multifaceted distribution strategy.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 27, 2026

“It really underscores the urgency with which our elected officials and policymakers should be devising ways of mitigating the economic harm that is occurring as a result of immigration enforcement actions.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 1, 2026

To execute a task that’s boring, frustrating or apparently meaningless, he suggests devising ways to make it more challenging—say, imposing an artificial deadline.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 1, 2026

Then an image flashes in my mind, of Captain Smith ready to lose control of his anger, then of him taking a deep breath, focusing, calming, devising a plan.

From "Blood on the River" by Elisa Carbone

Related Words

• creative
• imaginative
• innovative
• inventive
• seminal
• unconventional
• unusual