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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of rank and file
The automaker spent much of the year undoing decisions made by the previous CEO, Carlos Tavares, who resigned at the end of 2024, as stakeholders in the company — from dealers to union rank and file — were upset with him and unhappy with his leadership.
—
Liam Rappleye, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for rank and file
Liam Rappleye, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for rank and file
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rank and file
Noun
-
That same year, the federal government tasked the research group RAND to look at the WEA system's ability to reach the American public.—
Andrea Lucia,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2026
-
One viral TikTok video shows a man approaching young adults and asking them to chug a BuzzBallz Biggie in public for $100.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Fishback, on the other hand, stands strongly opposed to these corporate interests while remaining electable to the general populace.—
Thomas C. Shank,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Barak was cognizant of how the Arab populace would perceive Israeli involvement.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But the pregame boos McCollum heard Monday were nothing compared to what the Garden crowd later showered him with after a third-quarter spat with Jose Alvarado.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Topped with even more fresh blueberries and lemon slices, this bright cake will surely satisfy a crowd.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Dorsett died in August 2023, days after Shaknovsky removed a mass from her but then allegedly failed to take steps to prevent sepsis, according to a civil lawsuit filed by her son.—
Matt Lavietes,
NBC news,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The program was also used by those impacted by the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas and by those in the military who have undocumented relatives.—
Ximena Bustillo,
NPR,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The liberal media, members of the woke mob, and plenty within the Cubs’ fanbase took exception to the then-rookie missing one regular-season game a year ago to honor his late friend, days after he was brutally murdered in front of the entire world.—
Mark Harris OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The moment the plane landed, a mob poured onto the runway and began chasing it by jeep, by motorbike, and on foot.—
Louis Menand,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rank and file.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rank%20and%20file. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
