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
Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, more Americans seem to be adopting a yes-in-my-backyard mentality as major tech firms turn to nuclear to power artificial intelligence data centers.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2025
Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2025
The ‘yes’ campaign is being run through Newsom’s ballot measure committee, which the governor jump-started with a $2 million transfer from his gubernatorial campaign account.
—Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for yes
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adverb
But first, Dawgs will have to prove a number of requirements, including whether the misleading statements deceived or had the ability to deceive consumers, and, if yes, whether that deception had a material effect on consumer purchasing decisions.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, more Americans seem to be adopting a yes-in-my-backyard mentality as major tech firms turn to nuclear to power artificial intelligence data centers.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
Its message, in short, was something of a yes.
—Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2025
The ‘yes’ campaign is being run through Newsom’s ballot measure committee, which the governor jump-started with a $2 million transfer from his gubernatorial campaign account.
—Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 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 16 Oct. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share