yes and no

phrase

used when there is both a positive and a negative answer to a question
"Are you happy with your job?" "Yes and no."

Examples of yes and no in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
DraftKings slightly favors yes, while BetMGM favors no, but both sportsbooks are giving minus odds to yes and no. Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 12 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Yes and no.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yes%20and%20no. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster