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verse 1 of 2

noun

ˈvərs How to pronounce verse (audio)
Definition of versenext
1
as in poem
a composition using rhythm and often rhyme to create a lyrical effect composed a short verse for his mother's birthday

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2
as in poetry
writing that uses rhythm, vivid language, and often rhyme to provoke an emotional response skilled at verse

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

verse

2 of 2

verb

as in to tell
to give information to while in prison, he versed himself in the rights of the incarcerated

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of verse
Noun
Biblical verses are printed on the walls and weight stacks, and prayer requests cover a white board. — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 17 Sep. 2026 Rooted in outsider stories and anti-establishment satire, the Bunny-verse is being written in Southern California, translated worldwide and primed for a Bad Robot screen adaptation. — Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026 The plan, at least when it was announced last year, was for the 450,000-square-foot filming hub to be the home of shows in the Sheridan-verse, including Landman, Lioness and The Madison. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026 The doughnut racks sit beneath a stack of bibles and printouts of various biblical verses, with religious radio setting a soundtrack. — Sean Carlson, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for verse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for verse
  1. poem
  2. poetry
  3. tell
  4. song
  5. inform
  6. brief
  7. advise
Noun
  • Each poem feels like the blinding-bright perception of one sublime minute.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Instead of collectivity, there is a certain kind of animal community, or one that the poems’ speakers—children, old men, drunks, prostitutes—often stand apart from.
    — Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of poem
Noun
  • Prose poetry, the lyric essay and other hybrid forms of literature play at the intersection of genre, which usually defines these separate categories of writing.
    — Amy Cannon, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Several of my favorite poetry collections capture the nuanced process of breaking up, with its extreme states of longing, anger, and sorrow—while also expanding the capacity for joy, pleasure, and compassion.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of poetry
Verb
  • When Arisa proclaims herself a Faithful, Michael looks hilariously stunned, and Alan tells them to weep for the fall of innocence and the failure of justice.
    — Alice Burton, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Hawaii officials told residents to put together emergency kits and the governor issued an emergency proclamation, activating more than 230 Hawaii National Guard members.
    — MEGAN JANETSKY, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of tell
Noun
  • In the ‘90s-style video of the song, Swift participates in a dance competition and receives three zeroes from the judges.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
  • American and German pop songs have, over the past fifty years, become more self-focused.
    — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of song
Verb
  • Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
    — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The Hollingsworths are pulled closer together once they’re informed by Nia (Antoinette Crowe-Legacy), a detective with Homeland Security — hey, there’s one more square for your federal agency bingo card!
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of inform
Verb
  • City police officers were not involved in the operation or the shooting, which occurred after a traffic stop, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said while briefing reporters along with the city's mayor and other officials.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis told reporters there may have been a foot chase with the ICE agent, but cautioned the information was preliminary and said she had not yet been briefed by federal partners.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of brief
Verb
  • After washing, Adriano advises laying brushes flat or upside down to dry, with the bristles pointing downward.
    — Bianca Lambert, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Residents were advised to prepare to leave, gather important belongings and make arrangements for pets in case the warning was upgraded to an evacuation order.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of advise

Phrases Containing verse

Browse Nearby Words

versatility
verse
versed
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Cite this Entry

“Verse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/verse. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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