commonplace
16 synonyms and 4 antonyms for commonplace, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Ordinary; lacking anything unusual or noteworthy.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
How to use commonplace
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a commonplace occurrence
commonplace remark
become commonplace
Etymology
A translation of the Latin phrase locus communis, itself borrowed from the Ancient Greek koinos topos, both meaning roughly "a shared point" used in classical rhetoric.
Full origin of commonplace →Frequently asked questions
What does “commonplace” mean?
The word “commonplace” means ordinary; lacking anything unusual or noteworthy. In plain terms, something so ordinary it barely registers — either an everyday occurrence or a tired, overused phrase.
How do you pronounce “commonplace”?
“Commonplace” is pronounced KO-muhn-plays (/ˈkɑmənˌpleɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “commonplace” in a sentence?
Here is “commonplace” used in a sentence: “Smartphones are so commonplace now that few people remember life without them.”
What part of speech is “commonplace”?
Depending on how it is used, “commonplace” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “commonplace” come from?
The word “commonplace” comes from Ancient Greek. A translation of the Latin phrase locus communis, itself borrowed from the Ancient Greek koinos topos, both meaning roughly "a shared point" used in classical rhetoric.
Is “commonplace” a common word?
“Commonplace” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “commonplace” have?
“Commonplace” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: ordinary; lacking anything unusual or noteworthy.
