versus

preposition

ver·​sus ˈvər-səs How to pronounce versus (audio) -səz How to pronounce versus (audio)
1
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The chart below shows the one year performance of CMG shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, CMG's low point in its 52 week range is $44.46 per share, with $66.74 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $55.66. Dividend Channel, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 Democrats’ views are particularly negative, with nearly 70% holding an unfavorable opinion versus less than 40% of Republicans. Jill Colvin, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025 Orlando has twice had games delayed and the Camping World Stadium will play host to Manchester City v Al Hilal on Monday June 30 and the winner of that game versus the winner of Inter v Fluminense in a quarter-final on July 4. Oliver Kay, New York Times, 28 June 2025 The movie cost $25M before P&A versus $12M on the first. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for versus

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of versus was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Versus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/versus. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

versus

preposition
ver·​sus ˈvər-səs How to pronounce versus (audio) -səz How to pronounce versus (audio)
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

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