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 abrupt move to shutter VOA has shocked its rank and file, but signs of massive change at the agency have been evident for weeks.
—
Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 18 Mar. 2025
More recently, he’s publicly called for more rank and file public involvement in government.
—David Jeans, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Speaker Johnson is facing a major test in his effort to rally his rank and file.
3:23
House Republican leaders plan to move forward with a vote on the budget plan Tuesday night despite opposition from at least four Republicans, leaning on President Donald Trump to help convince the holdouts.
—John Parkinson, ABC News, 25 Feb. 2025
That set of three weeks of chaos when several top GOP leaders failed to secure enough support to get the gavel until Johnson, then a rank and file conservative member of the House Judiciary panel, was nominated with unanimous support.
—Deirdre Walsh, NPR, 3 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rank and file
Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 18 Mar. 2025
More recently, he’s publicly called for more rank and file public involvement in government.
—David Jeans, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Speaker Johnson is facing a major test in his effort to rally his rank and file.
3:23
House Republican leaders plan to move forward with a vote on the budget plan Tuesday night despite opposition from at least four Republicans, leaning on President Donald Trump to help convince the holdouts.
—John Parkinson, ABC News, 25 Feb. 2025
That set of three weeks of chaos when several top GOP leaders failed to secure enough support to get the gavel until Johnson, then a rank and file conservative member of the House Judiciary panel, was nominated with unanimous support.
—Deirdre Walsh, NPR, 3 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rank and file
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rank and file
Noun
-
But the American public is bound to be particularly sensitive to the functioning of our transportation infrastructure.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2025
-
The idea has drawn some criticism, including the observation that the U.S. public has been getting along just fine all these years without such an advocate.—
Robert Goulder,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
Noun
-
Most of the initiatives looked good on paper but were largely ignored by the populace.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 May 2025
-
No one can say for sure how this is going to affect the populace on a near-term and long-term basis.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
This was a crowd of critics and journalists from around the world.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
15 May 2025
-
Come for the seafood and stay for the weekend live music and waterfront views that draw a loyal, unpretentious crowd.—
Skye Sherman,
Southern Living,
15 May 2025
Noun
-
More people are seeking healthier, more responsible ways to live.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
-
But these people, because of their caring for the community, are continuing to show up every day, day in and day out, and making sure that the work that needs to happen during a measles outbreak happens.—
Dan Gorenstein,
NPR,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
Although the district has regularly cut teaching and custodial positions based on enrollment declines, the number of security positions has grown dramatically as a result of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland.—
Scott Travis,
Sun Sentinel,
10 May 2025
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The strike marks the latest escalation between the nuclear-armed rivals, a move triggered by a mass shooting that India blames Pakistan for.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2025
Noun
-
Attendees will have a chance to participate in a flash mob during the parade.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado,
Sacbee.com,
16 May 2025
-
Hindus were among the victims: Their homes, temples, and businesses were attacked by mobs; thousands of Hindus living near the Indian border crossed over to seek refuge.—
Simon Montlake,
Christian Science Monitor,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rank and file.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rank%20and%20file. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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