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Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing

cartel

noun / kar-TEL / Medium
Meaning

An association of producers or firms that collude to control prices, limit output, or restrict competition in a market.

Origin / Etymology

From German ''Kartell'', from French ''cartel'', from Italian ''cartello'' (placard or written challenge).

Synonyms
syndicate combine monopoly bloc trust
Antonyms
competitor free market rivalry fragmentation
Example Sentence
"The Competition Commission of India imposed heavy penalties after finding that the cement firms had operated as a cartel to fix prices."
🎯 UPSC Usage

Central to GS Paper 3 answers on competition policy, the Competition Act 2002, and market regulation. Cite it when discussing anti-trust action, OPEC as an oil cartel in energy security, or the role of the CCI in curbing collusive bid-rigging.

Relevant Subjects
Economy
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