devise
verb (used with object)
to contrive, plan, or elaborate; invent from existing principles or ideas.
had devised
-
past perfectof devise.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Except the library had devised a vastly superior arrangement: There was nothing I had to purchase in order to qualify.
From Salon ● Sep. 6, 2026
Entertainment outlet Variety, citing insiders, said Ellison had devised a five-year plan to move the company from California, starting with its Los Angeles headquarters.
From Barron's ● Aug. 11, 2026
"In an attempt to solve the rehoming crisis, the racing industry had devised a program of sending retired greyhounds to the US and Canada," Field said.
From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2026
So the market may get a fourth competitor—though not the one regulators had devised.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 30, 2026
She seemed to walk around with this satisfied look, as if it had happened because she had devised this strategy.
From "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan
