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
There is some sense that rumblings are growing among the congressional rank and file, though nothing has surfaced yet that seems promising.
—
David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Her frustration lies with party leadership, not rank and file legislators whose hands are often tied by higher-ranking lawmakers, Budd told The Charlotte Observer.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2025
On one hand, AI is extremely unpopular among parts of the American rank and file.
—John Werner, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 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
See All Example Sentences for rank and file
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rank and file
Noun
-
Fortunately, the American public is much more informed and less likely to be deceived by the meat and dairy industry than in 1977.—
-
In the past, the president has pushed to take Fannie and Freddie public.—
Noun
-
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.—
-
Each district sends two children as tributes to the fight-to-the-death Hunger Games, concocted by the capitol to keep the populace distracted.—
Noun
-
Her defensive effort led to a transition 3-pointer for Maddie Scherr that electrified the home crowd for TCU.—
-
Minneapolis police and deputies with the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office are still on the scene for crowd control measures, and metal gates have been set up to keep protesters at bay.—
Noun
-
To lawyers who paid Law Firm Headquarters (the Chhabra’s mass tort call center) for client referrals and partnered with Alpha Law (the pseudo law firm Vince operated with Ron), the settlement value of a plaintiff with revision surgery could be worth ten to fifteen times as much as one without.—
-
Researchers at the University of Manchester, led by Professor Thomas Anthopoulos, have successfully stabilized perovskite solar cells, which could help move the low-cost technology into the global mass market.—
Noun
-
In the season 4 finale, Moriarty's Ben resigns after a case involving the Russian mob results in the murder of a witness.—
-
The administration also lists members of the pro-Trump mob who died during the riot or in connection with it, but does not mention that nearly 140 police officers were injured that same day by weapons.—
Cite this Entry
“Rank and file.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rank%20and%20file. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share