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
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
Abigail Lee, Variety, 28 Apr. 2025
And the answer is, over time, that is going to be yes, American products are going to be better sold elsewhere in the world.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2025
Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 20 May 2025
If this was a test of whether the supporters were still behind the manager and his team, the noise that greeted his speech was an emphatic ‘yes’.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for yes
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Adverb
When asked about who voted yes during the town hall to approve Ellie’s idea for a group of people to go after Abby, Luna said that Tommy and Maria likely voted yes, with an unknown third person joining their camp.
—Abigail Lee, Variety, 28 Apr. 2025
And the answer is, over time, that is going to be yes, American products are going to be better sold elsewhere in the world.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
The proposal, which includes a condition that only one player per NFL team can participate, needs to receive 24 yes votes from the 32 teams during the spring ownership meetings in Minneapolis.
—Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 20 May 2025
If this was a test of whether the supporters were still behind the manager and his team, the noise that greeted his speech was an emphatic ‘yes’.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for yes
Cite this Entry
“Yes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yes. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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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