devised

verb

past tense of devise
as in concocted
to create or think of by clever use of the imagination she quickly devised a new scheme when the first one failed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of devised Composers devised elaborate systems for writing music that ventured deep into dissonance, away from the rules of tonality that had governed it for centuries. — Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 31 Oct. 2026 Kushner, in a fury, devised the salacious revenge plot that has colored his reputation ever since. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026 Over the centuries, mathematicians, political scientists, and reformers have devised an astonishing variety of voting systems in hopes of breaking Condorcet’s impasse. — Alex Stone, Quanta Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026 In a bid to get more people interested in the event, ESPN and Marvel Studios devised an intriguing collaboration that will include a 30-second promo voiced by Paul Bettany, the actor who has long played Vision in various Marvel films. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 25 Oct. 2026 Designed for twice-daily use, the cream is meant to be applied with a massage ritual the brand devised just for the cream—a final touch on its feel-good MO. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026 The instrument was specifically devised to investigate dark energy and its pervasive influence. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2026 But over time, due to a variety of systems issues with obtaining certain medications, the lethal injection protocol has deviated from the standard devised by Chapman. — M. Sara Rosenthal, STAT, 13 Oct. 2026 Missing a taste of their native grub, the cousins devised an idea for a groundbreaking food truck that would bring Maine lobster across America. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devised
  1. concocted
  2. invented
  3. constructed
  4. designed
Verb
  • These accusations are utter nonsense, concocted from distortions, half-truths and lies.
    — Kathleen Parker, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The White Sox concocted a creative playing style that blended elements of old-school small ball with home-run power.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of concocted
Verb
  • Levy became involved with the Furby when his friend, Dave Hampton, who invented the toy with co-creator Caleb Chung, called Levy who had a talent for making pitches and had the connection.
    — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Why is California — the state that basically invented environmental review — about to vote on overhauling part of it?
    — Kiara Adams, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of invented
Verb
  • In a statement posted on X, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stood in front of a bulldozer near the site of the shootout and promised Israel would tear down Palestinian buildings constructed without permits in the area.
    — Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The upper is constructed of a gray mesh with matching suede overlays and translucent TPU side panels.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of constructed
Verb
  • In a move designed to attract more voters, lawmakers attached language that would place a ban on gender-affirming care for minors in the Missouri Constitution.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Most conventional optical systems are designed around coherent light, such as laser beams, whose waves maintain a stable relationship with one another.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of designed

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Cite this Entry

“Devised.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devised. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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