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

Similarly, contracts closer to their termination date showed stronger probability versus a long-term contract. —Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 26 May 2026

In addition to the requisite charismatic leader, MAGA also shares other key characteristics with cults, like black-and-white thinking, and viewing politics as a fight of good versus evil. —Elizabeth Yuko, Rolling Stone, 25 May 2026

The 1994 World Cup in the United States, widely seen as a major success, generated $700 million in net revenue – or profits – versus a $550 million budget, driven largely by stronger-than-expected ticket sales and sponsorships. —Richard Sheehan, Fortune, 25 May 2026

That is where the builders-versus-blockers frame becomes more than a slogan. —Tracy Hernandez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 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