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
Starr Million Baker, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
The answer is yes, according to Orange County Registrar of Voters Bob Page, who reviewed the footage and related documents.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 23 Jan. 2025
Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
With two yeses, Bautista still made it through to Hollywood and was rewarded with a golden ticket.
—Alli Rosenbloom, CNN, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for yes
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Adverb
If the answer to all three of these questions is yes, then speed is critical.
—Starr Million Baker, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
The answer is yes, according to Orange County Registrar of Voters Bob Page, who reviewed the footage and related documents.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
Airport pianist Josh King finds his main character energy
Josh King, the 24-year-old airport pianist who squeaked by with two yeses after the judges pushed him outside his jazz lounge comfort zone, had something to prove during Hollywood Week.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
With two yeses, Bautista still made it through to Hollywood and was rewarded with a golden ticket.
—Alli Rosenbloom, CNN, 17 Mar. 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 7 Apr. 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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