What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cartel
Example
The oil cartel decided to increase the price of crude oil. [cartel: noun]
Example
The government cracked down on the drug cartel, arresting several members. [cartel: noun]
syndicate
Example
The newspaper syndicate distributes articles to various publications. [syndicate: noun]
Example
The police arrested members of the gambling syndicate for running an illegal betting operation. [syndicate: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cartel is more commonly used than syndicate in everyday language, especially when referring to business practices and industries. Syndicate is less common and is often associated with specific sectors like media or gambling.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cartel and syndicate?
Both cartel and syndicate can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, cartel is more commonly used in formal settings due to its association with business practices and economic terms, while syndicate can be used in a wider range of informal contexts.
