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
This lack of professional protections for officers is regularly cited as the top motivator for why officers are leaving the MPD, according to the D.C. Police Union, which represents the force’s rank and file.
—
Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 31 July 2025
President Trump benefited from the enthusiasm that people like Bongino and Bondi were able to generate among MAGA’s rank and file.
—Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 17 July 2025
Weiner concludes his book by expressing his faith in the agency’s rank and file, but with a clear sense of foreboding.
—Keith Gessen, New Yorker, 16 July 2025
And our rank and file members enable us to fight for them day in and day out.
—CBS News, 1 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for rank and file
Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 31 July 2025
President Trump benefited from the enthusiasm that people like Bongino and Bondi were able to generate among MAGA’s rank and file.
—Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 17 July 2025
Weiner concludes his book by expressing his faith in the agency’s rank and file, but with a clear sense of foreboding.
—Keith Gessen, New Yorker, 16 July 2025
And our rank and file members enable us to fight for them day in and day out.
—CBS News, 1 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for rank and file
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rank and file
Noun
-
The film and his character struck a chord with the Chinese public and Su saw his acting career blossom, going on to feature in several other films and television series.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
17 Oct. 2025
-
If the war truly has come to something like an end, how will the American public remember it?—
Jay Caspian Kang,
New Yorker,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The movement of aid has increased through Israel’s border, but on a scale that Palestinians say falls short of the needs of a destitute populace.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
19 Oct. 2025
-
That’s where the actual populace is.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
His campaign already claims 6,000 volunteers and his town hall appearances have drawn large crowds.—
NPR,
NPR,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Police say Balmer broke in through the southern wing of the residence, into a room often used to entertain crowds and display art.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The incident was declared a mass casualty, according to the outlet.—
Escher Walcott,
PEOPLE,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Organizers stress the safety and deescalation training that tens of thousands of local activists have undergone to ensure these protests are as safe as the multiple other mass demonstrations held this year.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Wait for the looky-loo mob to subside.—
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Oct. 2025
-
This isn’t as ominous as, say, the GOP effort to steal the 2020 presidential election with absurd claims, bad lawyers and a mob attack on the Capitol.—
Steven Greenhut,
Oc Register,
12 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rank and file.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rank%20and%20file. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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