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

While vehicle theft claims don’t distinguish between full vehicle versus partial theft, the report's methodology considered the monetary value lost as result of the theft. —Stuart Dyos, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025

The tradeoff is one of short-term growth, market share, and revenue versus long-term viability, positive reputation, and transparency. —Douglas B. Laney, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025

There are a number of other fantastic fights on the UFC 319 main card, including Lerone Murphy versus Aaron Pico, Geoff Neal versus Carlos Prates, Jared Cannonier versus Michael Page, and Tim Elliott versus Kai Asakura. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025

Murphy suggests using your vintage finds as statement pieces—like a mid-century coffee table in a contemporary living room—versus buying every single item secondhand. —Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 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