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
City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez is among those who say that some of the money used for Hagerty would have been better spent bolstering the Emergency Management Department’s rank and file — as Parks had requested last year.
—
Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025
My only recourse was appealing my case to the union’s rank and file.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 10 May 2025
The city’s transit supervisors are set to vote against the MTA rank and file in the upcoming primary for Gotham’s comptroller.
—Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 2 May 2025
Gingrich relished partisan warfare, demanded loyalty from his rank and file, and turned district elections into contests between the national parties.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rank and file
Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025
My only recourse was appealing my case to the union’s rank and file.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 10 May 2025
The city’s transit supervisors are set to vote against the MTA rank and file in the upcoming primary for Gotham’s comptroller.
—Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 2 May 2025
Gingrich relished partisan warfare, demanded loyalty from his rank and file, and turned district elections into contests between the national parties.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rank and file
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rank and file
Noun
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However, much of the American public didn’t buy that Epstein committed suicide.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
18 July 2025
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In Gallup’s 2024 honesty and ethics survey, the general American public's trust in 11 core professions, when averaged, was at a historic low.—
Emily Reynolds,
Forbes.com,
18 July 2025
Noun
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But the deeper concern goes beyond ice crystals, to the notion that government agencies are trying to poison the populace or affect weather patterns through geoengineering.—
Skyler Swisher,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 July 2025
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And so, Frank and Dennis took to shaking down the populace after Frank sprang for two police uniforms, Dee beat the hell out of the unhoused masturbator, and Charlie seized upon his undercover Serpico cop role to attempt a series of stings on his fellow corrupt fake cops.—
Dennis Perkins,
EW.com,
10 July 2025
Noun
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The panel called on the convention crowd to educate themselves on their rights and speak out about their concerns — and not just online.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
14 July 2025
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Major matchups featuring top draft picks like Cooper Flagg might draw a more partisan crowd, but the rest of the tournament is made for milling about.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
Noun
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According to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, more than 1,350 people have drowned in the Great Lakes over the last 15 years, nearly half in Lake Michigan.—
Tresa Baldas,
Freep.com,
21 July 2025
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Vince Panaro won the Head of Household position and had to nominate three people for eviction.—
Dina Kaur,
AZCentral.com,
21 July 2025
Noun
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Stick with the Classics For this firepit area on the edge of the property, Jordin opted for wooden Adirondack chairs surrounded by a mass planting of lavender—two timeless garden elements that bring a sense of ease to any outdoor space.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 July 2025
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The constant contracting and relaxing of the muscles through vibration is also said to help improve strength, flexibility, circulation and bone mass.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
20 July 2025
Noun
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Two years after the Goetz incident, a white mob in the Italian American enclave of Howard Beach in New York chased 23-year-old Michael Griffith and two friends, all Black, and beat Griffith to death for simply being in their neighborhood.—
Robert Chiarito,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
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Summer brings out the worst of its food scene (overhyped openings, influencer mobs, patios with no shade and even less finesse), as well as the very best: smoky tacos on the Westside, rooftop bars with actual personality, and high-falutin’ hotspots that are still worth the chase.—
Lela London,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rank and file.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rank%20and%20file. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
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