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

Knowing that starting — and running — a brand is expensive, especially to launch with a full collection (versus just a couple of products, as some brands begin with), Black had to raise money to make development, production and marketing possible. —Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2025

Starting right guard Trey Smith and starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor have officially been listed as doubtful to play versus the Texans. —Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025

The Tiger fans rocked their campus arena with thunderous applause during the convincing victory, their first in four games versus the Jayhawks. —Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 5 Dec. 2025

Kardashian's coquettish bow headband was a surprisingly traditional and festive look for the All's Fair star, who generally prefers a sleeker hairstyle or long, loose waves versus sweet or cheeky accessories. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 4 Dec. 2025

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