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common denominator
noun
1
: a common multiple of the denominators of a number of fractions
2
: a common trait or theme
Synonyms
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
See all Example Sentences for common denominator
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'common denominator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of common denominator was
in 1594
Dictionary Entries Near common denominator
Cite this Entry
“Common denominator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/common%20denominator. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
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
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