Synonyms of cartels

cartels

noun

plural of cartel

as in syndicates

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

• syndicates
• conglomerates
• partnerships
• unions
• associations
• chains
• trusts
• organizations
• multinationals
• combinations
• combines
• megacorporations
• guilds
• pools

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cartels

Avocado farming in Mexico also has some other serious drawbacks, including connections to drug cartels in some regions. — Jayash Paudel, The Conversation, 29 July 2026

Ecuador has gone from being one of South America's safest countries to a cocaine trafficking hub in a few short years, plagued by gangs with ties to Mexican and Colombian cartels. — CBS News, 29 July 2026

Those same cartels instigated the crisis that gripped Mexico during my travels. — Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026

Authorities label the video fake and deny any deal or cooperation with the cartels. — Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026

The allegation was just part of a drumbeat of US criticism over the cartels’ political protection rackets. — Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 25 July 2026

Otiala explains that the cartels tap into municipal pipes by paying off the people who run the water system. — Raul Roman, NPR, 25 July 2026

Federal prosecutors accuse Maduro and Flores of conspiring with drug cartels to facilitate the flow of thousands of tons of cocaine into the United States. — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 22 July 2026

In an interview with Fox News, Border Patrol Agent Jose Navarro said cartels may be exploiting unsuspecting members of the public, including rideshare drivers. — Natassia Paloma, USA Today, 22 July 2026