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

While the story of The White Lotus Season 3 is decidedly different than Seasons 1 and 2, there are some common denominators, like the elevated social standings of the luxury resort’s privileged guests. —Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

The other common denominator is that they were all photographed at FusionFest by Juan David Tena, a Colombian photographer who now resides in Orlando. —Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025

The common denominator for them and Pérez — who helped lead his earlier Racing Point team to its first and only victory — was the Red Bull car, not the drivers. —Sahil Kapur, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2025

And so, music is the one steady common denominator, nucleus of our lives. —Christina Dugan Ramirez, Fox News, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for common denominator

• accelerator
• accumulator
• adjudicator
• administrator
• appropriator
• articulator
• attenuator
• bronchodilator
• collaborator
• communicator
• conciliator
• cooperator

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