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 town is bleeding amid runaway production, audience apathy and a widening gap between the 1% and the industry’s rank and file.
—
Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 22 May 2025
The militia’s rank and file, meanwhile, was shattered first by pagers, then walkie-talkies that detonated in their hands, having been boobytrapped by Mossad.
—Karl Vick, Time, 13 June 2025
Recent encounters between Colombian law enforcement and armed groups suggest that children make up an alarming portion of their rank and file.
—Elizabeth Dickinson, Foreign Affairs, 8 May 2025
Instead, the recent raids have affected rank and file workers, most of whom were detained suddenly and face deportation.
—Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rank and file
Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 22 May 2025
The militia’s rank and file, meanwhile, was shattered first by pagers, then walkie-talkies that detonated in their hands, having been boobytrapped by Mossad.
—Karl Vick, Time, 13 June 2025
Recent encounters between Colombian law enforcement and armed groups suggest that children make up an alarming portion of their rank and file.
—Elizabeth Dickinson, Foreign Affairs, 8 May 2025
Instead, the recent raids have affected rank and file workers, most of whom were detained suddenly and face deportation.
—Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rank and file
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rank and file
Noun
-
With gratitude, Mike & Pam Warner Bros Discovery made its separation news public in June, with that divide coming in mid-2026.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
30 July 2025
-
The same ridiculous fiction is being sold to a gullible public that was trotted out after Sandy Hook, Las Vegas, Parkland, Buffalo and all the others: Guns don’t kill people, people kill people.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
30 July 2025
Noun
-
The populace at large would do so for everyday tasks and as a handy online intellectual partner that is usable anywhere and at any time.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
-
The monarch of the realm commissions the housing of her collection of artifacts for the inspiration and edification of the populace.—
Gina Grillo,
Chicago Tribune,
21 July 2025
Noun
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The Cubs crowd thinned out, and the twins’ shuttles swelled with more Brewers fans — happier, rowdier and presumably more intoxicated.—
Kylie Volavongsa,
jsonline.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Drive four hours south down the Atlantic coast past La Rochelle and Bordeaux, and the summer crowd favorite of Arcachon is handing out fines of $175 (€150) to anyone considered to be not fully dressed.—
Alex Ledsom,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
From 1961 to 1989, at least 140 people were ied in connection with the Wall, either being shot by East German police while trying to escape, from accidents or from suicides.—
Jim Clash,
Forbes.com,
2 Aug. 2025
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By the end of the study, 48 people completed all three diets:1 Control diet: High cholesterol and high saturated fat, eating a maximum of one egg per week.—
Kristen Fischer,
Health,
2 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Hyman was the fourth victim killed in the mass shooting.—
Holly Yan,
CNN Money,
1 Aug. 2025
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On Monday, a mass shooting at the Manhattan building where the NFL’s headquarters are located killed four and left one, a league employee, injured.—
Jason Clinkscales,
Sportico.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
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After a jury trial, Grider, who owns a vineyard in the Waco suburbs, was sentenced to spend nearly seven years behind bars in 2023 for storming the Capitol and joining a mob's assault on the U.S. House chamber.—
Bayliss Wagner,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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Soon after, a mob attacked their home, throwing their possessions into the street and allegedly abusing their three daughters.—
Jordan King,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rank and file.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rank%20and%20file. Accessed 12 Aug. 2025.
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