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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 Lifeguard services were once part of Imperial Beach’s fire department, a structure that is common in some cities. Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025 Orlando’s partnerships demonstrate what becomes possible when diverse organizations unite around a common purpose. Andry Sweet, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2025 But many of these buildings have one thing in common: They were built by real estate mogul Jorge M. Pérez, who just handed down his empire to his sons. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 5 July 2025 In comparison, the same beverages packaged in plastic bottles or cans had five to 50 times fewer microplastics, challenging the common belief that glass is the safer option. Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for common
Recent Examples of Synonyms for common
Adjective
  • Though North Korea sent over special forces units that are better trained and supplied than ordinary infantry, the initial deployment lacked an effective and agile command structure.
    Natasha Lindstaedt, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • The researchers suggest a particular chemical marker that could be a dead giveaway of dark dwarfs — the isotope lithium-7, which burns easily and is therefore quickly consumed by ordinary stars.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Deloitte’s Global Resilience Report, based on surveys of over 2,000 CEOs and 6,000 executives, found that 62% view ongoing disruption as the new normal.
    Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Representatives for OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fortune, made outside normal working hours.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • And notably absent was general manager Ken Williams, the architect of the ’05 team who became vice president and was fired in 2023 along with GM Rick Hahn.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025
  • Thus far, though, it’s been an elixir for the American economy, which was suffering from inflation and a general malaise.
    E.J. Antoni, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Because of its moisture needs, it is best planted near a body of water, such as a pond or streambed, or in low, damp spots.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • These transfers got The Athletic’s collective brain thinking about whether moving to a bitter rival of your current club is really a good idea.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • The proposal would reclaim streets and neighborhoods and create a collective peace of mind.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Stach was a dependable regular in a Hoffenheim side that had a mediocre 2024-25 season, finishing 15th in the league.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 30 June 2025
  • First, how will the Bear recover from that mediocre review — and can its comeback be achieved before the joint runs out of money?
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • But August is perhaps a poor month in which to rally the staff.
    John Updike, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
  • For certain situations, particularly if someone is in poor health, experts generally say claiming early makes sense.
    Lorie Konish, CNBC, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Nan’s rebellion was never loud or vulgar but always quietly confident and effortlessly elegant.
    Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • The comics were often dismissed as a vulgar form, but the bad joke of our superhero-movie culture is that most of it is a vulgarization of the comics.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Common.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/common. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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