rank and file

noun

Definition of rank and filenext
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

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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 choice was particularly interesting to Hollywood rank and file, which, in the era of M&A and private equity investments, is contending with more than a few minefields. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 2026 But as the tables turned quickly on Thursday afternoon, many rank and file staffers expressed regret that the studio would not be hitched to the industry’s dominant subscription streaming platform but rather to a smaller, struggling rival legacy media conglomerate. — Brent Lang, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026 Doug Coates, acting president of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, the union representing LAFD rank and file, declined to comment. — Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026 Biden’s decision to continue military aid to Israel, with only a handful of exceptions, as the death toll mounted in Gaza and Israel failed to facilitate adequate aid, caused widespread distress in the administration, on Capitol Hill, and in the party’s rank and file. — Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rank and file
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rank and file
  1. public
  2. populace
  3. crowd
  4. mass
  5. mob
Noun
  • His charm offensive, including moving to Rio and recalling Neymar, has also begun to win over a skeptical public, setting the stage for a crucial World Cup challenge.
    — Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Harry and Meghan, who live in California, left Britain in 2020 after stepping back from royal life, and have since been involved in a long-running, public falling out with his family.
    — Max Foster, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Definition of public
Noun
  • His profiteering has drawn criticism from even the traditionally conservative editorial boards at the Wall Street Journal and New York Post, as well as the broader American populace.
    — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 2 July 2026
  • The ongoing diversification of the American populace ensures that Latin American rhythms, jazz subgenres and electronic innovations will continue to redefine what the nation will sound like moving forward.
    — Ted Olson, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Definition of populace
Noun
  • The plebeians have plenty to be furious about, but their representatives, skilled at turning a crowd into a mob, seem hellbent on shoring up their own influence.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Large-scale events involve tabletop exercises with law enforcement, fire departments, emergency managers and venue officials running through countless scenarios — evacuations, suspicious packages, drones and crowd surges.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of crowd
Noun
  • The root ball boundary or the outer edge of the soil-and-root mass typically extends from the main stem to just beyond the edge of the foliage.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 July 2026
  • The Unification Church had a mass wedding there in 1982, with 2075 couples participating in the group ceremony – some of whom reportedly only met a few weeks before – and the men wore identical suits and the women identical gowns.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of mass
Noun
  • Four juveniles were taken into custody and face charges that include third-degree assault by mob, assault on police while resisting arrest, resisting arrest, possession of a machine gun and breach of peace.
    — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
  • When the decision on trans athletes was made the other day by the Supreme Court were the Justices swarmed by an angry mob and beheaded on the spot?
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of mob

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rank and file
rank and files
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Cite this Entry

“Rank and file.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rank%20and%20file. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rank and file

Nglish: Translation of rank and file for Spanish Speakers

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