devise
verb (used with object)
to contrive, plan, or elaborate; invent from existing principles or ideas.
were devising
-
past progressiveof devise.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Two days after the rent-increase notice was delivered, the Kaplans and their supporters were devising a plan to fight back — if not to save Read Books, then to save other small businesses.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 21, 2026
So shaken that they became convinced that the interactive play they were devising — in response to the coronavirus-induced shutdown of theaters — was no longer relevant.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 30, 2020
It’s easy to forget that, long before teenagers were making their own TikToks, people who were supposed to be fully grown adults were devising their own ridiculous, themed answerphone recordings.
From The Guardian ● May 1, 2020
During a 2011 retreat on Vashon Island, the two were devising material for a new recording when they discovered they’d each come up with the same concept for the album.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 22, 2013
There were manifestly persons about the court, who, while they thirsted for the pleasure of vengeance, were devising how to throw the odium of it upon the English.
From The Life of Horatio Lord Nelson by Robert Southey
