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
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
The automaker spent much of the year undoing decisions made by the previous CEO, Carlos Tavares, who resigned at the end of 2024, as stakeholders in the company — from dealers to union rank and file — were upset with him and unhappy with his leadership.
—Liam Rappleye, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
Both discharge petitions already have the endorsement of more than 10 Republicans — an extraordinary demonstration of unrest among the GOP rank and file.
—Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 12 Dec. 2025
There are reportedly conversations among rank and file senators to try to reach -- to negotiate the reopening of the government for a few weeks.
—Kendall Wright, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rank and file
Joseph Menn The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 21 Jan. 2026
The automaker spent much of the year undoing decisions made by the previous CEO, Carlos Tavares, who resigned at the end of 2024, as stakeholders in the company — from dealers to union rank and file — were upset with him and unhappy with his leadership.
—Liam Rappleye, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
Both discharge petitions already have the endorsement of more than 10 Republicans — an extraordinary demonstration of unrest among the GOP rank and file.
—Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 12 Dec. 2025
There are reportedly conversations among rank and file senators to try to reach -- to negotiate the reopening of the government for a few weeks.
—Kendall Wright, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rank and file
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rank and file
Noun
-
These statements are seemingly a dig at Jolie, who has been known to like being seen in public with her children.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
10 June 2026
-
Football’s Coming Home The English football public has a certain reputation globally.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
Pressure from a populace desperate to launder Colombia’s image from headlines of cocaine and civil war.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 June 2026
-
Gentile da Foligno in Perugia Italy was one of the few regions in Latin Christendom where physicians organized into guilds in the fourteenth century and thus routinely treated the general populace, rather than merely the wealthier mercantile and aristocratic classes.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
The same crowd booed when council members mentioned the growing popularity of artificial intelligence.—
Mary Ramsey
Updated June 8,
Charlotte Observer,
9 June 2026
-
The Fairmont draws a diverse crowd—from business travelers to couples celebrating anniversaries, to casual visitors—creating a lively but laid-back atmosphere.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
The company is being sued by seven families of the victims of the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting, which took place in Canada in February.—
Ashley Capoot,
CNBC,
13 June 2026
-
This domestic violence mass homicide could have happened anywhere and at any time.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Protests were announced in Northern Ireland’s capital early in the day, with police urging participants to be calm, but Tuesday night saw mobs block streets, set fire to vehicles, and clash with police.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
9 June 2026
-
Some left small locks of hair that would be enough to remember them by but would remain unfound when a mob came knocking on their door.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rank and file.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rank%20and%20file. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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