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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Entire crowds gunned down at distribution points.—
Beth Bailey,
FOXNews.com,
7 Sep. 2025
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In the Lower West Side of Chicago, music blared and green, white and red flags fluttered down the streets of the predominantly Latino Pilsen neighborhood on Saturday as crowds gathered for the start of Mexican Independence Day celebrations.—
Danya Gainor,
CNN Money,
7 Sep. 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 10 Sep. 2025.
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