Synonyms of cartel

cartel

noun

kär-ˈtel 

as in syndicate

a number of businesses or enterprises united for commercial advantage

a cartel of oil-producing nations that controls production and influences prices

Synonyms & Similar Words

• syndicate
• conglomerate
• partnership
• union
• chain
• association
• organization
• combination
• multinational
• combine
• trust
• guild
• megacorporation
• big business
• pool

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cartel

The department, which oversees agencies such ICE and Border Patrol, is also responsible for combating criminal organizations like cartels and for stopping drugs like fentanyl from entering the country through its agencies. — Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026

Sinaloa has been engulfed for nearly two years in a bloody conflict between rival factions of the cartel that bears the state’s name. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

After nearly a decade, CIA officer Matt Graver is still waging his war against Mexican drug cartels in Taylor Sheridan‘s Sicario cinematic universe. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 22 Aug. 2026

Drug cartels, for instance, have used them to launder their proceeds. — Alvin Camba, Foreign Affairs, 21 Aug. 2026