COMMON Synonyms: 468 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'common' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of common are familiar , ordinary , plain , popular , and vulgar . While all these words mean "generally met with and not in any way special, strange, or unusual," common implies usual everyday quality or frequency of occurrence and may additionally suggest inferiority or coarseness. // a common error // lacked common honesty // common manners

Q: When would 'familiar' be a good substitute for 'common'?

The words familiar and common are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, familiar stresses the fact of being generally known and easily recognized. // a familiar melody

Q: In what contexts can 'ordinary' take the place of 'common'?

The meanings of ordinary and common largely overlap; however, ordinary stresses conformance in quality or kind with the regular order of things. // an ordinary pleasant summer day // a very ordinary sort of man

Q: When is 'plain' a more appropriate choice than 'common'?

While in some cases nearly identical to common , plain is likely to suggest homely simplicity. // plain hard-working people

Q: When might 'popular' be a better fit than 'common'?

Although the words popular and common have much in common, popular applies to what is accepted by or prevalent among people in general sometimes in contrast to upper classes or special groups. // a writer of popular romances

Q: How do 'vulgar' and 'popular' relate to one another, in the sense of 'common'?

Vulgar , otherwise similar to popular , is likely to carry derogatory connotations (as of inferiority or coarseness). // souvenirs designed to appeal to the vulgar taste

common

adjective

ˈkä-mən

Definition of common next

as in ubiquitous

often observed or encountered horse ranches are a common sight in that part of the state

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in normal

being of the type that is encountered in the normal course of events just a common house cat but an extraordinary friend

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as in general

belonging or relating to the whole facts of common knowledge

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as in low

belonging to the class of people of low social or economic rank a man of wealth and privilege who mingled without pretense with the common folk

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as in prevailing

held by or applicable to a majority of the people a politician who works not for the special interests but for the common good

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as in collective

used or done by a number of people as a group used a common bathroom while at the campground

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as in ordinary

of average to below average quality has a common singing voice that's good enough for performing at those venues

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as in poor

of low quality furniture of common workmanship that did not justify the high prices

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as in vulgar

lacking in refinement or good taste embarrassed by the common manners of his new in-laws

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective common contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of common are familiar, ordinary, plain, popular, and vulgar. While all these words mean "generally met with and not in any way special, strange, or unusual," common implies usual everyday quality or frequency of occurrence and may additionally suggest inferiority or coarseness.

a common error

lacked common honesty

common manners

When would familiar be a good substitute for common?

The words familiar and common are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, familiar stresses the fact of being generally known and easily recognized.

a familiar melody

In what contexts can ordinary take the place of common?

The meanings of ordinary and common largely overlap; however, ordinary stresses conformance in quality or kind with the regular order of things.

an ordinary pleasant summer day

a very ordinary sort of man

When is plain a more appropriate choice than common?

While in some cases nearly identical to common, plain is likely to suggest homely simplicity.

plain hard-working people

When might popular be a better fit than common?

Although the words popular and common have much in common, popular applies to what is accepted by or prevalent among people in general sometimes in contrast to upper classes or special groups.

a writer of popular romances

How do vulgar and popular relate to one another, in the sense of common?

Vulgar, otherwise similar to popular, is likely to carry derogatory connotations (as of inferiority or coarseness).

souvenirs designed to appeal to the vulgar taste

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of common An outside observer might argue that Chihaya’s symptoms simply reflected a common sort of professional panic brought on by a ticking tenure clock. —

Kristen Martin, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2025 Despite her growing empire and larger-than-life public persona, Rae is quick to dispel one common misconception. —

Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 31 Jan. 2025 Even off-axis performance appears strong so far, a common challenge for traditional LED TVs. —

Ryan Waniata, WIRED, 19 Jan. 2025 Fever, feeling feverish or chills; cough; sore throat; runny or stuffy nose; muscle or body aches, or fatigue or tiredness; headache; vomiting or diarrhea, which is more common among children. —

Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for common

Recent Examples of Synonyms for common

Adjective

Maps are ubiquitous – on phones, in-flight and car displays, and in textbooks the world over.

— Christine Leuenberger, The Conversation, 7 Feb. 2025
About 40% of kids age 8-12 use social media, while usage by teens age 13-18 is nearly ubiquitous.

— Rich Lowry, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025