Yes-man Definition & Meaning

American

British

Etymology

Examples

Synonyms yes-man American [yes-man] / ˈyɛsˌmæn /

noun

plural

yes-men

1. a person who, regardless of actual attitude, always expresses agreement with their supervisor, superior, etc.; sycophant.

yes man British

noun

1. a servile, submissive, or acquiescent subordinate, assistant, or associate; sycophant

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of yes-man

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

On an episode of the podcast “Not Skinny but Not Fat,” Stewart said that although she is “a yes-man,” she wouldn’t want to be a part of the superhero franchise.

From Los Angeles Times

It appeared that Lurie and Roseman chose a yes-man coach and a placeholder quarterback in preparation for a long, dreary rebuilding cycle.

From New York Times

On the wholesome 1990s sitcom, Diamond embodied the ultimate yes-man sidekick who executed preppy Zack Morris’ most harebrained ideas.

From Los Angeles Times

As Screech, Diamond embodied the ultimate yes-man sidekick who executed preppy Zack Morris’ most harebrained ideas.

From Los Angeles Times

GOP lawmakers plan to highlight former Attorney General Eric Holder's remark that he was then-President Barack Obama's "wingman," noting their close relationship to preempt accusations that Barr is President Trump's yes-man.

From Fox News

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.