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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
That’s the common denominator for the men and the women on the app.
—Essence, 7 May 2024
The only common denominator is that these movies have a strong point of view.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 7 May 2024
The common denominator is Ferrell’s singular ability to blend fantastical flash.
—Erin Osmon, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2024
But there was another common denominator in the mix: price hikes.
—Morgan Haefner, Quartz, 23 Feb. 2024
Like lidar, the Nvidia Orin X chip for processing all the information is a common denominator.
—Mark Andrews, WIRED, 13 Mar. 2024
The common denominator appeared to be guilt by association.
—Anand Gopal, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024
And while the formats vary, the common denominator centers on foregrounding the intersectionality of their identities as 21st century visual creators.
—Amy Carleton, Charlotte Observer, 29 Feb. 2024
The common denominator is the gun, often an assault rifle the founding fathers could never have imagined in the day of the musket when the Second Amendment was written.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 16 Feb. 2024
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 28 May. 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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