common denominator

noun

1

: a common multiple of the denominators of a number of fractions

2

: a common trait or theme

Synonyms of common denominator

• similarity
• resemblance

Examples of common denominator in a Sentence

Drugs seem to be the common denominator in these crimes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Violent conflict is a common denominator of contemporary famine, and famine or the risk of famine has already been noted in several countries in the region. — Peter Hailey, The Conversation, 16 July 2026

But every time the league gets another historic TV rating, there's a common denominator. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026

The cigar is the common denominator. — Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026

Kemp insisted there is a common denominator. — ABC News, 15 June 2026

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