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When we encounter the word “common,” we’re often thinking about something that’s familiar or usual in everyday life. Synonyms for common help us express the frequency, normalcy, or generality of a subject without repetition, enriching our language. As we explore different contexts—whether in writing or speech—we leverage these synonyms to add variety and precision to our communication.
Common Synonyms
What Is “Common”?
“Common” is an adjective we often use to describe something that is usual, routine, or frequently encountered. It speaks to the everyday nature or the regularity of an occurrence. By knowing its synonyms, we can add variety to our speech and writing, expressing ourselves with a richness that the English language offers.
List of Synonyms for Common
- Ordinary
- Typical
- Regular
- Standard
- Everyday
- Average
- Usual
- Conventional
- Normal
- Familiar
- Routine
- Traditional
- General
- Prevailing
- Widespread
- Popular
- Standardized
- Accepted
- Established
- Commonplace
- Unremarkable
- Garden-variety
- Run-of-the-mill
- Mundane
- Plain
- Undistinguished
- Prosaic
- Humdrum
- Bland
- Dull
- Generic
- Mainstream
- Customary
- Habitual
- Frequent
- Stock
- Banal
- Pedestrian
- Universal
- Ubiquitous
- Pervasive
- Basic
- Public
- Shared
- Collective
- Mass-market
- Prevalent
- Nonexclusive
- Non-specific
- Unexceptional
- Unspecialized
- Broad
- Blanket
- All-purpose
- Global
- Inclusive
- Comprehensive
- Overall
- Sweeping
- Across-the-board
- Unpretentious
- Uncomplicated
- Indiscriminate
- Non-distinctive
- Non-discriminating
- Homogeneous
- Identical
- Non-unique
- Non-differentiated
- Interchangeable
- Equivalent
- Similar
- Alike
- Equal
- Like
- Indistinct
- Nondescript
- Featureless
- Anonymous
- Neutral
- Plain-Jane
- No-frills
- Workaday
- Unadorned
- Unembellished
- Unvarnished
- Unornamented
- Unelaborate
- Natural
- Inherent
- Quintessential
- Characteristic
- Representative
- Emblematic
- Archetypal
- Prototypical
Types of Synonyms for Common
Frequency
- Frequent
- Usual
- Routine
Ubiquity
- Ubiquitous
- Prevailing
- Prevalent
Ordinariness
- Ordinary
- Typical
- Everyday
Simplicity
- Simple
- Trivial
- Plain
Generality
- General
- Universal
- Customary
Unexceptional Quality
- Regular
- Standard
- Unremarkable
Common Synonyms for Common
Common vs. General
General often implies a broader, more inclusive concept and is used when referring to the overall idea or summary of something. It contrasts with common, which suggests frequent occurrence or widespread acceptance.
- We hold a general meeting every year to discuss various topics that concern all departments.
- It’s common to see people using smartphones for navigation these days.
Common vs. Usual
Usual denotes something that is typical or expected based on past occurrences. It is more personalized than common, which indicates that something is familiar and often seen across a wider spectrum.
- Our usual lunch spot is packed, so we’ll have to find an alternative.
- Working from home has become quite common since last year.
Common vs. Standard
Standard refers to something established as a model or a level of quality. Common, however, describes what is normal or regularly found within a group or area.
- The standard procedure for data entry ensures accuracy and consistency.
- Using jargon outside of work is not very common among colleagues.
Common vs. Ordinary
Ordinary conveys a sense of the everyday, average, or unremarkable, and is often used interchangeably with common. The difference is subtle, where common can have a neutral or positive connotation in some contexts, whereas ordinary might imply a lack of special features.
- She found beauty in the ordinary moment of sipping morning coffee.
- It’s common to join social media platforms for networking and socializing.
Synonyms for Common in Different Contexts
In Daily Conversation
- Ubiquitous: Mobile phones are ubiquitous in today’s society.
- Ordinary: It was just an ordinary day at the office.
- Frequent: Our frequent coffee breaks help us to stay energized.
In Professional Settings
- Routine: The safety checks are part of our routine operations.
- Standard: The standard procedure is to report any malfunctions immediately.
In Academic Texts
- Prevalent: This theory is prevalent in contemporary literature.
- Widespread: There is widespread support for the new research initiative.
In Describing Scenery or Environments
- Everyday: The everyday hustle of the city is invigorating.
- Household: That brand has become a household name.
Absolute and Near Synonyms of Common
Absolute Synonyms for Common
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| Ordinary | Of no special quality; normal, without any distinctive features |
| Everyday | Happening or used every day; typical and unremarkable |
Near Synonyms for Common
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| Ubiquitous | Present, appearing, or found everywhere |
| Familiar | Well-known from long or close association |
| Routine | A regular way of doing things in a particular order |
| Prevailing | Existing at a particular time; current |
| Customary | According to the customs or usual practices associated with a particular society, place, or set of circumstances |
| General | Affecting or concerning all or most people, places, or things; widespread, not specialized or limited |
Synonyms for Common with Examples | Infographic
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I substitute the word ‘common’ in a conversation?
In casual dialogue, instead of “common,” we might use words like “usual,” “ordinary,” or “standard” to convey a similar meaning.
What alternatives are there to the phrase ‘very common’?
To express something that’s extremely common, consider saying “widespread,” “prevalent,” or “ubiquitous.”
Which synonyms should I use to diversify my vocabulary for IELTS?
For IELTS, elevate your language by using “prevalent,” “pervasive,” or “customary” to enhance the variety of your vocabulary.
What other expressions can I use to convey the idea of ‘commonly’?
When attempting to describe an action or occurrence as frequent, phrases like “as a rule,” “typically,” or “ordinarily” might be fitting alternatives.
Can you provide a list of synonyms for day-to-day words?
Certainly! Day-to-day words like “regular,” “routine,” “typical,” and “normal” can serve as synonyms in various contexts.
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