1
—used as a function word to express assent or agreement
are you ready? Yes, I am
2
—used as a function word usually to introduce correction or contradiction of a negative assertion or direction
don't say that! Yes, I will
3
—used as a function word to introduce a more emphatic or explicit phrase
4
—used as a function word to indicate uncertainty or polite interest or attentiveness
Synonyms of yes
Examples of yes in a Sentence
Adverb
yes, I'll be ready for the test tomorrow
Noun
We need a yes to go ahead with the project.
She answered all the questions with yeses and nos.
Recent Examples on the Web
Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
Cboe says it is focused on financial contracts rather than sports betting and is launching a more nuanced new version of the simple yes-or-no prediction-market offerings, aiming to attract cerebral young traders who could graduate to its traditional options products.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
For Doohan, a die-hard Breaking Bad fan, the answer was an emphatic yes.
—Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for yes
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Adverb
The moves come as the CFTC seeks to solidify its claim as the sole regulator of prediction markets, which allow users to make yes-or-no wagers on the outcome of events including elections and sports games.
—Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
Cboe says it is focused on financial contracts rather than sports betting and is launching a more nuanced new version of the simple yes-or-no prediction-market offerings, aiming to attract cerebral young traders who could graduate to its traditional options products.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
Seehorn’s character Carol is surrounded by creepily friendly yes-people who always speak in the royal we.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
For Doohan, a die-hard Breaking Bad fan, the answer was an emphatic yes.
—Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for yes
Cite this Entry
“Yes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yes. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
yes
1 of 2 adverb
ˈyes 
ˈyeu̇,
ˈe-(y)ə
are three of many variants
1
—used to express agreement
are you ready? Yes, I am
2
—used to correct or contradict what another has said
don't say that! Yes, I will
3
—used to introduce a phrase with greater force or clearness
we are glad, yes, very glad to see you
4
—used to show interest or attention
yes, what is it you want
yes
2 of 2 nounˈyes
: a positive reply
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