# cartel

/kɑɹˈtɛɫ/ (US) · /kɑːtˈɛl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cartel
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 2. political alliance

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a group of different political parties that work together for a specific goal.

For teachers: a combination of political groups or parties for common action.

- The two smaller parties formed a cartel to gain more power in the election.
- The parliamentary cartel was established to ensure a unified front against the proposed constitutional amendments during the winter session.

### 3. prisoner exchange agreement

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Formal

an official agreement between enemies during a war to trade prisoners.

For teachers: a written agreement between belligerent nations for the exchange of prisoners of war.

- The generals signed a cartel to return the captured soldiers to their homes.
- Under the terms of the maritime cartel, both navies agreed to a temporary ceasefire to facilitate the transfer of wounded personnel.

### 4. letter of defiance

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

a formal letter sent to someone to challenge them to a fight or a duel.

For teachers: a written letter of defiance or a formal challenge to a duel.

- The knight sent a cartel to his rival, demanding a trial by combat.
- The protagonist's refusal to answer the cartel was seen as a grave insult to the family's honour in the local court.

## Examples

- The oil-producing countries formed a powerful cartel.
- The government launched an investigation into the major supermarkets to see if they were operating as a price-fixing cartel.
- Economic stability in the region was undermined by the presence of a drug cartel that exerted more influence over local politics than the official government did.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.