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
Historically, much of Silicon Valley's rank and file have been politically to the left of their leaders and quick to protest.
—
Joseph Menn The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 21 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for rank and file
Joseph Menn The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 21 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for rank and file
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rank and file
Noun
-
But Chelsea also want to add more maturity and leadership to their squad and, in that sense, Fernandez’s disciplinary record and his decision to air some of his complaints in public could count against him.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
-
To be ill in public was disgraceful, an affront.—
Tom Levenson,
Time,
20 May 2026
Noun
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Morgan State’s work in benchmarking AI in diverse contexts is helping build more robust, reliable systems that better reflect — and serve — the full breadth of the populace.—
Deborah Wince-Smith,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
-
This spring and summer, an interactive exhibit in Oakland will unleash a whole menagerie of cool dinosaurs upon the populace — turkey-sized velociraptors, spiky stegosaurs and of course big ol T-rex itself.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Beginning in February 2026, foreign visitors have been required to pay a small entry fee to access the landmark as city officials attempt to better manage crowds and preserve the historic site.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
-
The 15,000-strong crowd gasps, whistles, and cheers.—
Mic Anderson Britannica Editors May 18,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
If the space station is de-orbited in 2030, as currently planned and agreed upon by all partners, the last significant down-mass availability will be three years from now.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
22 May 2026
-
That is a lot of mass, which means the gravitational attraction between the two galaxies is huge.—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
22 May 2026
Noun
-
Driver’s ex-cop knows the codes of cutting deals with the Russian mob; Teller’s engineer is the square who can’t grasp how doing things the right way just makes the situation worse.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2026
-
And on Long Island, New York, rowdy crowds that essentially formed a mob rushed the Roosevelt Field Mall, forming an unruly mob that brought in local police.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rank and file.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rank%20and%20file. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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