versus

preposition

ver·​sus ˈvər-səs  -səz 

1

: against

2

: in contrast to or as the alternative of

free trade versus protection

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Abbreviating Versus

In a number of areas the English language is possessed of an embarrassment of riches, with multiple synonyms or abbreviations for a word. One such case is versus, which is often written in a shortened form. You may choose between vs, vs., and v. Take care, when writing the word out in full, that you distinguish between versus (a preposition meaning “against”) and verses (“lines of metrical writing”).

Examples of versus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It is well known that Sarandos is a champion of the 17-day window versus a 45-day exclusive theatrical window that exhibition is championing. —Joseph M. Singer, Deadline, 19 Dec. 2025

That’s a big miss versus the FactSet consensus estimate of a 60 basis point improvement. —Jeff Marks, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2025

Over time, Yorke’s views on the original-versus-reproduction dichotomy have softened. —Zoe Si, New Yorker, 19 Dec. 2025

The studio versus commercial is no longer church and state. —Miles Socha, Footwear News, 19 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, towards, against, from Latin, adverb, so as to face, from past participle of vertere to turn

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for versus

• cursus
• ursus
• excursus
• transversus

Kids Definition

versus

preposition

ver·​sus ˈvər-səs  -səz 

1

: against sense 1a

the champion versus the challenger

2

: in contrast to or as the alternative of

the tastiness of store-bought versus homemade cookies