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
Gary Hoover, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
The answers, in order are yes, also yes, physically yes, but spiritually no.
—Josh Wigler, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025
Marty Sprinzen, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
But Senate rules require 60 votes to get balls rolling, and Republicans had just 52 yes votes in the Upper Chamber.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for yes
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Adverb
Equipment-wise, at least, the answer seems to be yes: The latest utilization measures put us at just over 77% utilization on existing equipment.
—Gary Hoover, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
The answers, in order are yes, also yes, physically yes, but spiritually no.
—Josh Wigler, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
If the answer is anything but an unequivocal yes, the U.S. risks falling behind not just in business and innovation but in its ability to compete, protect and lead globally.
—Marty Sprinzen, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
But Senate rules require 60 votes to get balls rolling, and Republicans had just 52 yes votes in the Upper Chamber.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 14 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 20 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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