common denominator

noun

1

: a common multiple of the denominators of a number of fractions

2

: a common trait or theme

Synonyms

• commonality
• congruity
• correspondence
• parallel
• resemblance
• similarity
• similitude

Examples of common denominator in a Sentence

Drugs seem to be the common denominator in these crimes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Naturally, the common denominator is the legendary producer Norman Lear, who is being honored by the The National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York with a special exhibit celebrating Lear’s legacy in comedy and civic engagement. —Marc Berman, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

Universal language to narrow that gap is missing, so Walmart, in collaboration with the Burning Glass Institute, earlier this year convened a working group of human resources professionals from various companies to create a common denominator. —Worth Sparkman, Axios, 24 Oct. 2024

The common denominator of all these symptoms is that the patient notices something unusual. —Ashley Abramson, Allure, 17 Oct. 2024

This was normal discourse, and the pants were the common denominator. —Jay Stowe, Outside Online, 4 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

common denominator

noun

: a number or expression that is a multiple of each of the denominators in a set of fractions

12 is a common denominator of ¼ and ⅓