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

Seventy-one percent went on a honeymoon, versus 69 percent a year ago, and 17 percent had a destination wedding, versus 18 percent a year ago. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026

The researchers compared reports by geography — city versus suburban schools — and by school socioeconomic status. —Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 2026

The figures do not break down which delays were tied to TSA staffing issues versus other routine causes such as maintenance or weather. —Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 18 Feb. 2026

Utilizing only polling that has been conducted in 2026, the simulator puts the chances of a Republican versus Republican matchup at 18%. —Grace Hase, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 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