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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Recent Examples of rank and file
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
Those unions’ rank and file, increasingly, see Democrats as cultural elitists who look down on them and want to replace their jobs.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rank and file
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
Those unions’ rank and file, increasingly, see Democrats as cultural elitists who look down on them and want to replace their jobs.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rank and file
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rank and file
Noun
-
The report arrives as Yale and its Ivy League peers are under pressure from multiple directions — not just a skeptical public, but a federal government that has used funding as a direct lever against campus autonomy.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Now, that figure has nearly doubled to 27% – reflecting a broad shift in sentiment across the American public, especially among Democrats and young people.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Barak was cognizant of how the Arab populace would perceive Israeli involvement.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The Iranian regime is deeply unpopular with its populace.—
Arash Azizi,
The Atlantic,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But the pregame boos McCollum heard Monday were nothing compared to what the Garden crowd later showered him with after a third-quarter spat with Jose Alvarado.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Topped with even more fresh blueberries and lemon slices, this bright cake will surely satisfy a crowd.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
And given that high housing costs mean artists live scattered across South Florida, there’s no critical artistic mass in any one neighborhood.—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
17 Apr. 2026
-
The biographer’s task is to breathe life into an inert mass of material, then discard most of it.—
Sara Wheeler,
Big Think,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The liberal media, members of the woke mob, and plenty within the Cubs’ fanbase took exception to the then-rookie missing one regular-season game a year ago to honor his late friend, days after he was brutally murdered in front of the entire world.—
Mark Harris OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The moment the plane landed, a mob poured onto the runway and began chasing it by jeep, by motorbike, and on foot.—
Louis Menand,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rank and file.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rank%20and%20file. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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