versus

preposition

ver·​sus ˈvər-səs  -səz 

1

: against

2

: in contrast to or as the alternative of

free trade versus protection

Did you know?

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

The breakout supports greater outperformance versus the SPX in Q3 as the market favors stocks that had formerly lagged. — Katie Stockton, CNBC, 27 July 2026

That’s because in addition to a shortage of crude oil needed to produce both, much more refined jet fuel was throttled in the Strait of Hormuz versus refined gasoline. — Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 27 July 2026

The contest has become a progressive-versus-establishment proxy battle. — Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 27 July 2026

Set in Madurai, the season weaves its investigation narrative through the culturally rich backdrop of the Jallikattu festival, continuing the franchise’s throughline of rumor versus reality. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 July 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