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

Per TruMedia, the Panthers were 2-0 as double-digit underdogs in 2025, with wins versus these Rams (Week 13) and the Packers (Week 9). —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026

However, what’s in style versus what's passé can quickly change as time passes. —Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 10 Jan. 2026

For example, guidance included six to 11 servings per day of grains such as bread, cereal, rice and pasta versus just two to three servings of protein, such as meat. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026

The old food pyramid versus the new The visual isn't the only thing that was flipped. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Jan. 2026

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