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

After a defensive-minded series versus the Kings, Colorado had plenty of open ice to work with on Sunday. —Peter Baugh, New York Times, 4 May 2026

The Wild had worn down the Stars in Round 1 with relentless physical play and set the tone early in the game versus Colorado. —Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 4 May 2026

Cross the border into Mexico, the top foreign destination of Americans, and your dollar is about 16% weaker versus the peso compared with early 2025. —Matt Sedensky, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026

Orlando bounced back at home in an elimination play-in game versus Charlotte. —Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 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