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

In Michoacan, the cartels produce and traffic drugs and engage in violence and extortion across multiple industries, including the avocado industry where payments to the cartels can impact prices of the fruit. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026

According to Mexican authorities, a cartel in the city of Iguala attacked the students in collusion with security forces and local, state and federal authorities, including the military. — Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026

The cartel is considered the largest in Mexico, with a presence in 21 of its 32 states. — CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026

As part of the enforcement, the DOJ's criminal division brought federal charges against five senior members of the cartel, including drug trafficking and firearms offenses, Assistant Attorney General Tysen Duva said. — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026