as in public
the body of the community as contrasted with the elite
the chosen few might have the opportunity for a trip in the space shuttle, but it will be a while before the rank and file are taking space trips
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rank and file
The notion that there is widespread fraud in the system is far more prevalent among the Republican rank and file, more so than others.
—
Anthony Salvanto,
CBS News,
19 Mar. 2026
But as the tables turned quickly on Thursday afternoon, many rank and file staffers expressed regret that the studio would not be hitched to the industry’s dominant subscription streaming platform but rather to a smaller, struggling rival legacy media conglomerate.
—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
27 Feb. 2026
But the motivation among the industry’s rank and file, irrespective of their place of work, does not seem to be primarily financial.
—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
Historically, much of Silicon Valley's rank and file have been politically to the left of their leaders and quick to protest.
—
Joseph Menn The Washington Post,
Arkansas Online,
21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rank and file
Anthony Salvanto,
CBS News,
19 Mar. 2026
But as the tables turned quickly on Thursday afternoon, many rank and file staffers expressed regret that the studio would not be hitched to the industry’s dominant subscription streaming platform but rather to a smaller, struggling rival legacy media conglomerate.
—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
27 Feb. 2026
But the motivation among the industry’s rank and file, irrespective of their place of work, does not seem to be primarily financial.
—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
Historically, much of Silicon Valley's rank and file have been politically to the left of their leaders and quick to protest.
—
Joseph Menn The Washington Post,
Arkansas Online,
21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rank and file
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rank and file
Noun
-
Lalas’ apparent delight in courting the enmity of the American viewing public also extends to his co-hosts—so much so that his early verbal scuffles with Zlatan Ibrahimović have gone more viral than whooping cough.
-
No matter what Bedard or Blackhawks management say in public about contract negotiations, there can be no mistaking the scream of desperation emanating from the Byram acquisition.
Noun
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His profiteering has drawn criticism from even the traditionally conservative editorial boards at the Wall Street Journal and New York Post, as well as the broader American populace.
-
The ongoing diversification of the American populace ensures that Latin American rhythms, jazz subgenres and electronic innovations will continue to redefine what the nation will sound like moving forward.
Noun
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The plebeians have plenty to be furious about, but their representatives, skilled at turning a crowd into a mob, seem hellbent on shoring up their own influence.
-
Large-scale events involve tabletop exercises with law enforcement, fire departments, emergency managers and venue officials running through countless scenarios — evacuations, suspicious packages, drones and crowd surges.
Noun
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My job is to report in a timely manner on crime, mass shootings, war coverage, domestic and international affairs, pop culture and more.
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The show ran off and on for nearly 70 years, but kept the jokes rated PG to satisfy network censors and mass audiences.
Noun
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With the end of the month fast approaching, the migrant exodus has continued as fear of further mob attacks spreads through poor neighborhoods and informal settlements.
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Irwin becomes entangled with the Russian mob after embarking on a get-rich-quick scheme to clean up the Gowanus Canal, and his former cop brother, Gary, is the only one who can get him out of trouble.
Cite this Entry
“Rank and file.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rank%20and%20file. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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