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 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
-
Trump endorsed Fuller months after Greene, once his top ally, resigned following a public falling out with the president.—
Jeff Amy,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The Pentagon has long treated the public disclosure of casualty figures, including troops wounded in combat, as a core piece of its accountability to both the American public and the families of those who serve -- a practice which dates back to World War II.—
Steven Beynon,
ABC News,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
That combination makes for a happy society and ensures a populace that drives a productive economy for years to come.—
Alexis Akwagyiram,
semafor.com,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The announcers need to study intensely, learning details not only about an athlete, but what a particular sport means to the populace of a country halfway around the world.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The game was played in front of a sellout crowd of 41,628 that was decidedly pro-Mexico.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
-
For outdoor adventures, the Ulistac Natural Area and Guadalupe River Trail offer opportunities for walks, birdwatching, and biking that provide welcome breaks from stadium crowds.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In experiments, heaters made from these fibers delivered significantly higher heating power per unit mass than traditional metal-alloy elements when exposed to flowing gases.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Custom goods cost what mass goods cost today.—
Nicole Fraenkel,
Fortune,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But, unlike Brooks, Hemphill had pleaded guilty to joining the angry mob of protesters.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Several of King's marches were attacked by White mobs, but LaFayette and Young challenged the notion that the Chicago movement was a failure.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rank and file.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rank%20and%20file. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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