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
The sub-bass content on this track takes the form of a bass line in the verse, and the headphones did a good job of producing it without overshadowing other aspects of the mix. — Christian De Looper, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026 The verse’s watery flow shifted into firmer phrasing in the chorus. — Tom Roland, Billboard, 21 Oct. 2026 After a weak showing in Iowa, Ramaswamy ended his campaign and quickly folded into the broader MAGA-verse. — Philip Elliott, Time, 19 Oct. 2026 At all six stores in New York this summer, one of the top-selling books—helped along by Hollywood—was Emily Wilson’s twelve-thousand-one-hundred-and-ten-line verse translation of the Odyssey. — Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 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
  • Writing a sermon—or a story, essay, or poem—is an exercise in risk and vulnerability.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Reading a book, a poem, seeing a painting or a sculpture, or even hearing the intro of a song.
    — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of poem
Noun
  • There is also concrete poetry—writing arranged in images or geometric forms—a tradition that can be traced to ancient instances of shaped poetry.
    — Alec Mapes-Frances, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Yet within those rhythms Malkovich does locate odd, narcotized flashes of poetry.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of poetry
Verb
  • Shapiro told Semafor that he’ll be focused on passing a few specific items if his party wins full control of the government — not a parade of progressive bills, as Democrats in some swing states have done after winning the legislature.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • In his ruling rejecting the DOJ’s lawsuit, Carter said the federal government had the right to investigate instances of criminal voting but not to tell California how to run its elections.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of tell
Noun
  • The Jamaican musical style grew from an encounter between African and European traditions, and its banjos, guitars, hand percussion, and rumba boxes accompanied dancing, drinking, storytelling, and songs about life’s daily irritations.
    — Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Per a bio, the sisters wrote hundreds of songs together and performed more than 1,000 concerts around North America and in Norway.
    — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of song
Verb
  • The statutory maximum is life in prison, Lett informed Désir, should he be found guilty.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Several years later, he was informed that his brain contained a moderate accumulation of amyloid plaques.
    — Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of inform
Verb
  • The third person, who was briefed on the call, was not authorized to comment publicly and also spoke on the condition of anonymity.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Per a source briefed on the team’s plans, the Marlins in November will attempt to add another experienced starting pitcher and at least one reliever.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of brief
Verb
  • Residents were also advised to install window screens and chimney caps, secure exterior doors and avoid leaving unscreened windows open, particularly while sleeping.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Someone in contact with Walter, speaking on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to comment, advised me to wait and see if a Formula One deal actually materializes and, if so, for what value.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of advise

Phrases Containing verse

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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 5 Nov. 2026.

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