as in masses
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rank and files
Noun
-
Graduates earn a median income of $90,900 after three years, which rises to $170,100 20 years out—the highest median salary of the top 25 publics.—
Fiona Riley,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025 -
Unlike democratic politicians who must constantly justify their actions to skeptical publics and hostile media, autocrats like Putin and Kim arrive at these summits with clear, patient, long-term objectives.—
Bobby Ghosh,
Time,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Ticket buyers were mostly younger males, with men accounting for 61% of audiences and 24 to 34-year-olds representing 39% of crowds.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
2 Nov. 2025
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Shoulder-to-shoulder crowds gathered at the Sikh temple in Sutter County Sunday for an annual celebration that has grown exponentially in its 46 years of existence.—
Annika Merrilees,
Sacbee.com,
2 Nov. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Rank and files.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rank%20and%20files. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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