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
On one hand, AI is extremely unpopular among parts of the American rank and file.
—
John Werner, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Since kicking off in 2022, Angel City quickly built a following in the entertainment industry, especially among Hollywood’s rank and file.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2025
Debbie Strickling-Bullock becomes first woman to chair the trustees at the Sunday School Publishing Board, marking notable leadership shifts amid ongoing crisis among National Baptists' rank and file.
—Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for rank and file
John Werner, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Since kicking off in 2022, Angel City quickly built a following in the entertainment industry, especially among Hollywood’s rank and file.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2025
Debbie Strickling-Bullock becomes first woman to chair the trustees at the Sunday School Publishing Board, marking notable leadership shifts amid ongoing crisis among National Baptists' rank and file.
—Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for rank and file
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rank and file
Noun
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If this year’s March and June get-togethers were learning exercises — including for the staff after Tuchel began work in January — the next two and the one starting today (Sunday) are all about creating an atmosphere the players and the English public can all buy into.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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And to get to play these characters that are layered and complex and multidimensional is really fun — anything where there's a public and a private life, and a secret, and different elements at play, and having to keep different balls in the air is really fulfilling and fun.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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As 39% of the United Kingdom populace struggles to heat their homes, Edelstyn and Powell huddle under blankets themselves, trying vainly to warm up with endless mugs of tea.—
Will Tizard,
Variety,
31 Oct. 2025
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Each district sends two children as tributes to the fight-to-the-death Hunger Games, concocted by the capitol to keep the populace distracted.—
Adam Bell,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Bovino had been ordered to appear in court after plaintiffs accused him of throwing a tear gas canister into a crowd of demonstrators without justification or warning – a characterization DHS has rebutted.—
Dalia Faheid,
CNN Money,
4 Nov. 2025
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Outfielder Kiké Hernández had some fun at Drake’s expense and took a playful shot at Drizzy when addressing the Dodger Stadium crowd on the mic.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Police struggle to maintain order, their wooden sticks cracking against the pavement in a futile attempt to control the sheer mass of people.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
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That dense root network has filled the soil profile with root mass, leaving little soil available for new plants to take hold.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
This was no downtown scene, this was Broadway and all the show people and ballplayers and serious mob guys were right there, and Franky C knew them all, from Jackie Wilson to Clay Cole to Tiny Tim.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
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Campaign ads, showing images of flash-mob robberies, promised voters that harsher penalties would put an end to basic items being locked away in display cases and funnel people repeatedly arrested for drug offenses in treatment.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rank and file.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rank%20and%20file. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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