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Definition of commonplacenext
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commonplace

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noun

as in cliché
an idea or expression that has been used by many people the familiar summertime commonplace that "It's not the heat, it's the humidity"

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 commonplace
Adjective
Even after homosexuality was decriminalized in the post-Soviet country at the turn of the century, intolerance has been commonplace. Ryan Oehrli updated February 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026 Proponents of the bill argue that since shootings have become commonplace at religious institutions across the country, all houses of worship should be able to provide security for their congregants. Lauren Costantino february 5, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
Plot details are under wraps, but that's commonplace for a Perkins project. Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Nov. 2025 Ion gauges are relatively cheap (under US $1,000) and commonplace. IEEE Spectrum, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for commonplace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commonplace
Adjective
  • At normal pool, anglers will find them at depths of 20-25 feet.
    Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026
  • What the files do seem to confirm, though, is the conspiracy theorist’s view of an elite stratosphere, where normal rules don’t apply, everyone knows each other, and ideological differences are subsumed to self-interested motives.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The galaxies that are so familiar and ubiquitous in our Universe today will die, at least in a sense, as well.
    Big Think, Big Think, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Elevated interest rates in the economic terrain of recent years have been ubiquitous, with savers easily able to earn rates of 4%, 5% or even 6% and 7% on certificate of deposit (CD), high-yield savings and money market accounts.
    Matt Richardson, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Later, Lenape artist Joe Baker places cutout photographs of his ancestors over the stereotyped images of Native Americans found in the wallpaper.
    Tom McDonough, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2025
  • Several leaders described the pressure of being both highly visible and easily stereotyped.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • In this respect, Rose is a companion piece, being the story of another ordinary man, a struggling farmer in early 17th century Germany.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2026
  • In maybe more ordinary times, a Fritz, Shelton or Tiafoe may have won a Grand Slam by now.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Close added that Dugalic’s intense effort was in response to a couple of games during which Dugalic wasn’t playing to her usual standard.
    Felicia Keller, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
  • On a chilly Austin morning, downtown buzzed with excitement earlier than usual for a Sunday.
    Aaron E Martinez, Austin American Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Nanos must also be tired of talking, though that one is on him.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Aiona has grown tired of spending his retirement telling park-goers to stop feeding the chickens.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • One of the truisms in the past for Team Canada at some best-on-best events is needing a few games to find its game.
    Pierre LeBrun, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
  • What’s happening now underscores that truism.
    Dan Walters, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • With the right development, the cost of residing here could be more affordable than typical; that would be attractive for the thousands of lower-paying jobs in the area.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
  • These pastries aren’t just your typical donuts with a fancy name.
    Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Commonplace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commonplace. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

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