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
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
There is some sense that rumblings are growing among the congressional rank and file, though nothing has surfaced yet that seems promising.
—David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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
There is some sense that rumblings are growing among the congressional rank and file, though nothing has surfaced yet that seems promising.
—David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rank and file
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rank and file
Noun
-
The proceeding will also serve as a public reckoning in a case long viewed as one of Austin’s gravest miscarriages of justice — effectively functioning as an official acknowledgment that the men were wrongfully accused and prosecuted.—
Austin Sanders,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Feb. 2026
-
When, instead, another Black Democrat from Chicago, Barack Obama, headed toward the Democratic nomination in 2008, Jackson’s frustration spilled into public with a vulgar criticism of Obama caught on microphone.—
Johanna Neuman,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 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
-
When Obama delivered his election-night victory speech in Chicago’s Grant Park in 2008 to a massive crowd of cheering onlookers, the cameras caught Jackson looking on, tears in his eyes.—
John Blake,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The mood today was more tenuous, the industry crowd mulling in the lobby with cocktails, discussing the tail end of awards season and the controversy coming out of the Berlin Film Festival concerning politically cautious juror statements.—
Film Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Upon full passage, the law could trigger immediate mass liberations, with National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez assuring families that releases would occur swiftly post-approval.—
Alessandra Freitas,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
-
By reproducing photos of Lincoln, Lorant moved beyond the varied mass of subjective artworks — paintings, prints and sculpture — that only approximated his appearance.—
Mark B. Pohlad,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The women’s enslaver then brought together a mob of people, who crossed into Iowa in search of the two women, but didn’t find them, according to Krupa.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Some of these mob guys that were in the war would sit with me after the show.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rank and file.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rank%20and%20file. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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