yes

adverb \ ˈyes \

|Updated on: 23 Jun 2018

Examples: yes in a Sentence

Definition of yes

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

See yes defined for English-language learners

See yes defined for kids

Examples of yes in a Sentence

yes, I'll be ready for the test tomorrow

Recent Examples of yes from the Web

Squire, who formed Yes with singer Jon Anderson and others, died in 2015.

— mike danahey, Elgin Courier-News, "Yestival set for Saturday at Elgin's Festival Park," 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, "A Rust Belt City's School Turnaround," 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, "'She saved my life': DWI driver and crash victim find peace and a new purpose in life," 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, "Someone else’s vacation dreams don’t have to be your nightmare," 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, "How a group of female lawmakers and a top Republican rolled back Brownback’s tax cuts," 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, "U.S. Set to Start Three-Month Countdown to Nafta Renegotiation," 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, "The Daily 202: 10 storylines to follow as the House votes on health care," 4 May 2017
The name Fly on the Wall Entertainment is a nod to [Big Brother], yes?

— brian porreca, Billboard, "How 'Big Brother' Producers Pulled Off an 'Unfiltered' Look at Katy Perry's Life for YouTube Live Stream," 28 June 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of yes

Middle English, from Old English gēse

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

yes Synonyms

Synonyms

all right, alright, aye (also ay), exactly, OK (or okay), okeydoke (or okeydokey), yea, yeah, yep, yo;

Antonyms

nay, no, no way, scarcely;

yes

noun

Definition of yes

plural yeses also yesses

: an affirmative reply : yea

See yes defined for English-language learners

Examples of yes in a Sentence

We need a yes to go ahead with the project.
She answered all the questions with yeses and nos.

Recent Examples of yes from the Web

But this should be an easy yes for progressives who harp about corporate welfare in theory but too often vote for it in practice, and the amendment could win with a cross-party coalition.

— the editorial board, WSJ, "A Chance for Sugar Welfare Reform," 15 May 2018
Most of the projects will involve remodeling and upgrading school buildings and other facilities, Bloomfield Hills Schools: The district's proposal to replace a sinking fund millage was approved with 4,005 voting yes and 1,549 voting no.

— lori higgins, Detroit Free Press, "3 votes the difference in two metro Detroit school elections," 9 May 2018
The exit poll has the current margin of victory at 68% for the yeses and 32% in favor of the nos.

— gabriella paiella, The Cut, "Irish Exit Poll Projects Abortion Ban Repeal," 25 May 2018
Why are so many Irish emigrants willing to travel, some over 9,000 miles, and incur a huge personal expense just to vote yes?

— chloe mac donnell, Glamour, "For These Women, Traveling Over 9,000 Miles to Vote in Ireland's Abortion Referendum Isn't a Burden—It's a Necessity," 24 May 2018
As soon as the tally ticked over 208 yes and 207 no, the chair called it.

— erica martinson, Anchorage Daily News, "Rep. Young nabs Alaska exemption from Forest Service rule in House farm bill," 18 May 2018
Voters would have been asked to vote yes or no on six separate proposals.

— mike hendricks, kansascity, "Term limits, other Jackson County charter changes likely headed to November ballot | The Kansas City Star," 18 May 2018
The issue today isn’t a simple yes or no to processed food.

— nicola temple, WSJ, "Give Processed Food a Break," 4 May 2018
To get herself to the office while her own body is undoubtedly still recovering from delivery, simply to voice a simple yes or no?

— erin geiger smith, Marie Claire, "Senator Tammy Duckworth Bringing Her Baby to the Senate Floor Is Not a Cause for Celebration," 20 Apr. 2018

First Known Use of yes

1712

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

yes Synonyms

YES Defined for English Language Learners

yes

adverb

Definition of yes for English Language Learners

—used to give a positive answer or reply to a question, request, or offer
—used to express agreement with an earlier statement or to say that statement is true
—used to introduce a statement that corrects or disagrees with an earlier negative statement

yes

noun

Definition of yes for English Language Learners

: a positive reply : an answer of yes

YES Defined for Kids

yes

adverb \ ˈyes \

Definition of yes for Students

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!

3 —used to show uncertainty or polite interest

Yes? Who's there?

Yes, what can I do for you?

4 —used to indicate excitement

Yes! We won!

yes

noun

Definition of yes for Students

: a positive reply

I received a yes to my request.

Learn More about yes

See words that rhyme with yes Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for yes Spanish Central: Translation of yes Nglish: Translation of yes for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of yes for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about yes

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up yes? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

yes

Definition of yes

Examples of yes in a Sentence

Recent Examples of yes from the Web

Origin and Etymology of yes

yes Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

yes

Definition of yes

Examples of yes in a Sentence

Recent Examples of yes from the Web

First Known Use of yes

yes Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

Phrases Related to YES

Related Phrases

YES Defined for English Language Learners

yes

Definition of yes for English Language Learners

yes

Definition of yes for English Language Learners

YES Defined for Kids

yes

Definition of yes for Students

yes

Definition of yes for Students

Learn More about yes

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

What It Means to Go ‘Radio Silent’

Words for Summer: A Quiz

If the Shoe Fits

Trending: 'Asylum' Trends as Policies Draw Attention

Ghost Word