yes

adverb

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\ ˈyes

Definition of yes

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

yes

noun

plural yeses also yesses

Definition of yes (Entry 2 of 2)

: an affirmative reply : yea

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Phrases Containing yes Learn More About yes

Synonyms & Antonyms for yes

Synonyms: Adverb

Synonyms: Noun

Antonyms: Adverb

Antonyms: Noun

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: Adverb Squire, who formed Yes with singer Jon Anderson and others, died in 2015. — Mike Danahey, Elgin Courier-News, 17 Aug. 2017 Yes-style interventions can succeed elsewhere, considering that its solutions not only are difficult to implement, but, at least in the short-term, also cost more than many communities are willing or able to spend. — Amadou Diallo, The Atlantic, 18 July 2017 Though in a coma and an unresponsive state for several weeks, Ashlee could hear family members talking to her and would wiggle her foot to answer yes-and-no questions. — Robert Rhoden, NOLA.com, 25 June 2017 None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Defaults Done — Troublesome Middle Child DEAR TROUBLESOME MIDDLE CHILD: Yes: — Carolyn Hax, The Seattle Times, 11 June 2017 And after Brownback quickly vetoed the bill and denounced the tax plan, House Speaker Ron Ryckman’s decision to vote yes on overriding the governor provided the spark needed for other conservative lawmakers to vote yes. — Hunter Woodall And Jonathan Shorman, kansascity.com, 8 June 2017 The TPA, which gives lawmakers a yes-or-no vote on amending trade deals, was passed amid tension over whether the U.S. should sign the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership, championed by then-President Barack Obama. — Andrew Mayeda, Bloomberg.com, 17 May 2017 The Michigan Republican gave cover for people to switch from no to yes by extracting more financial assistance — $8 billion over five years — to help people with preexisting conditions pay for medical costs. — James Hohmann, Washington Post, 4 May 2017 The name Fly on the Wall Entertainment is a nod to [Big Brother], yes? — Brian Porreca, Billboard, 28 June 2017 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun His next administration will be marked by vengeance and stocked with even more sycophants and yes-men than the first time around; there will be no one in a position to rein in Donald’s worst impulses. — Mary L. Trump, The New Republic, 20 May 2022 The story of this evil yes-man is itself one that needs to be told. — The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2022 The Washington Post went to the vaults and compiled a video of relevant comments not just from Trump's justices but also the other two expected yes votes, Alito and Justice Clarance Thomas. — Peter Weber, The Week, 3 May 2022 Though contestant Sam Moss only earned a yes from Perry during her first audition in Austin, Texas, the judge believed in her so much Perry brought Moss back a month later to audition again in Nashville to prove Bryan and Richie wrong. — Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2022 Years in the company of yes-men have additionally blunted his ability to calculate risks. — Nr Editors, National Review, 3 Mar. 2022 Immediately after businessman Joe O'Dea offered the group's only explicit no, state Rep. Ron Hanks, long a vocal promoter of false claims about the election, delivered an enthusiastic yes. — Daniel Dale, CNN, 23 Feb. 2022 Again, the conversation didn’t last long — but this time the answer was an emphatic yes. — Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Jan. 2022 The answer from many listeners appears to be an emphatic yes. — Elias Leight, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'yes.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Learn More About yes

Dictionary Entries Near yes

yertchuk

yes

yes and no

Statistics for yes

Cite this Entry

“Yes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yes. Accessed 24 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for yes

yes

adverb

\ ˈyes

Kids Definition of yes

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 —used to express agreement in answer to a question, request, or offer or with an earlier statement "Are you ready?" "Yes, I am."Yes, I think you are right.

2 —used to introduce a phrase with greater emphasis or clearness We are glad, yes, very glad to see you!