1
as in ordinary
often observed or encountered
horse ranches are a common sight in that part of the state
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in general
belonging or relating to the whole
facts of common knowledge
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in collective
used or done by a number of people as a group
used a common bathroom while at the campground
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in mediocre
of average to below average quality
has a common singing voice that's good enough for performing at those venues
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in poor
of low quality
furniture of common workmanship that did not justify the high prices
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
9
as in vulgar
lacking in refinement or good taste
embarrassed by the common manners of his new in-laws
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Milton has called for the World Health Organization to issue more stringent protocols for healthcare settings, since healthcare workers are handling sick patients and transmission is more common.
—
Pien Huang, NPR, 15 May 2026
That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
In contrast, most solar production in the US takes place in the south and west, while coal plants are more common in the east and northeast.
—ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026
Smelling salts have been around for centuries, common around sports to give athletes a quick jolt of adrenaline.
—Jason Jones, New York Times, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for common
Pien Huang, NPR, 15 May 2026
That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
In contrast, most solar production in the US takes place in the south and west, while coal plants are more common in the east and northeast.
—ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026
Smelling salts have been around for centuries, common around sports to give athletes a quick jolt of adrenaline.
—Jason Jones, New York Times, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for common
Recent Examples of Synonyms for common
Adjective
-
By evening, the Aries Moon moves through your 9th House of Expansion, stirring adventure, passion, and plans that stretch beyond the ordinary.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 May 2026
-
But there is a big difference between ordinary political competition and a coordinated national effort to purge state lawmakers for exercising independent judgment on a matter before their own legislature.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
11 May 2026
Adjective
-
That means less cement per meter—on this bridge roughly 40% less concrete—while still reaching normal strength.—
Srishti Gupta,
Interesting Engineering,
16 May 2026
-
One patient retained normal core disgust reactivity but could no longer recognize disgust in others’ faces; another with anterior insula damage showed dysregulation in both producing and experiencing disgust.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Fields pairs highly adaptable facilities with expert, hands-on production support — a combination that general manager RoseMary Prodonovich says is designed to fuel creative endeavors.—
Kathy A. McDonald,
Variety,
15 May 2026
-
Husband is a genuinely excellent partner and a kind, funny, good person in general.—
Carolyn Hax,
Washington Post,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
This is especially important for low-income communities and others who rely heavily on the shot for contraception.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
-
Not since Oakland Hills in 2008 — Jeev Milkha Singh and Robert Karlsson at 2-under 68 — has the low score to par after the first round of the PGA Championship been worse than 3 under.—
Doug Ferguson,
Chicago Tribune,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
The group noted the projection was revised upward from an earlier estimate owing to an additional year in the budget window and higher prevailing interest rates.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Likewise, prevailing concepts of Hamlet at the time cast the prince as a wan and melancholic, leading critics to bristle at Bernhardt’s energy.—
Betsy Golden Kellem,
JSTOR Daily,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The collective ire of the group spilled over.—
Amber Gaudet,
Charlotte Observer,
14 May 2026
-
Astrid Suarez, director of collective impact at Niles Township’s Early Childhood Alliance, a nonprofit that provides early literacy opportunities to families, said Chamber events like this are what inspires organizations like hers to keep going.—
Claire Murphy,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
The filmmaker’s choice to allow small details, like his mother spending a month’s salary for photos of her children (especially when the photos are somewhat mediocre), is a very effective way to highlight the lengths people go just to remember.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
7 May 2026
-
Bibby revamped the roster and coaching staff before this past season in an effort to jump start a program that had been mediocre or worse for decades.—
Joe Davidson
May 7,
Sacbee.com,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
Harper opened a small dance studio, on Forty-sixth Street; business was poor until Bradley was hired and revamped Delroy’s act.—
Brian Seibert,
New Yorker,
13 May 2026
-
Still vehicle electronics can be damaged from reverse polarity, poor or wrong connection points or voltage spikes from improper equipment.—
Hartford Courant,
Hartford Courant,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Common.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/common. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
