Syndicate: meaning, definitions and examples

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syndicate

[ˈsɪndɪkət ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

criminal organization

A syndicate is a group of individuals or organizations that join together to carry out illegal activities such as drug trafficking, money laundering, or extortion. Syndicates often operate in secrecy and use violence to intimidate or eliminate rivals.

Synonyms

crime ring, criminal organization, mafia.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
syndicate	This word is often used in both legal and illegal contexts to describe a group of people or organizations that work together for a common purpose. In the context of crime, it refers to a structured group involved in illegal activities. The police have been investigating an international drug syndicate for months. A publishing syndicate bought the rights to his book.
criminal organization	This formal term describes any organized group engaged in criminal activities. It is often used in legal, academic, and policy-making contexts. The criminal organization was dismantled after a lengthy investigation. He was accused of being the leader of a criminal organization.
crime ring	This term specifically refers to a group of people who work together to commit crimes. It is generally used in the context of an organized group involved in illegal activities such as theft, drug trafficking, or human smuggling. The authorities busted a crime ring that was smuggling exotic animals. She was involved in a crime ring that operated across several states.
mafia	This word refers specifically to organized crime groups that originated in Italy and have since spread to other parts of the world. It is often associated with a hierarchical structure and a code of conduct. Its use can carry a strong, sometimes negative connotation. The local businesses were forced to pay protection money to the mafia. He wrote a book detailing the history of the Sicilian mafia.

Examples of usage

The police have been trying to dismantle the drug syndicate operating in the city.
The syndicate was responsible for the recent wave of kidnappings in the region.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

business organization

In a business context, a syndicate refers to a group of individuals or companies that come together to finance a particular project or venture. Syndicates are commonly seen in industries such as insurance, finance, and real estate, where multiple parties pool their resources to achieve a common goal.

Synonyms

collaboration, consortium, partnership.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
syndicate	A syndicate is commonly used to refer to a group of individuals or organizations that come together to pursue a common interest or project, often in a business or financial context. It sometimes carries a negative connotation when referring to illegal activities. The property was purchased by a syndicate of investors. The newspaper was part of a larger media syndicate.
consortium	A consortium is a formal association of several organizations or businesses that come together to achieve a specific goal, often for large-scale projects or research. It has a neutral to positive connotation. The consortium of companies secured the government contract to build the bridge. A consortium of universities launched a new scientific study.
partnership	A partnership involves two or more entities working together towards a common goal, with shared responsibilities and benefits. It is used in business and personal relationships with a positive connotation. The two tech firms announced a strategic partnership. Their successful business partnership lasted over a decade.
collaboration	Collaboration refers to the act of working together towards a common goal, typically in a positive and cooperative manner. It is often used in artistic, academic, or professional settings. The project was a collaboration between local artists and the university. Their collaboration resulted in a groundbreaking research paper.

Examples of usage

The syndicate raised funds to support the construction of the new shopping mall.
The insurance syndicate provided coverage for the high-risk investment.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word ‘syndicate’ comes from the French 'syndicat,' which means 'a union or association.'
It originated in the early 19th century, influenced by ideas of collective bargaining and shared interests.
Linked to the Latin word 'syndicatus', meaning to appoint a representative, reflecting its roots in organization.

Business

Syndicates are often formed in finance, pooling resources to fund large projects that an individual might not be able to handle alone.
Real estate syndication is a popular method where multiple investors come together to buy property.
This structure can encourage risk sharing, as failures and successes are distributed among members.

Media

In journalism, a syndicate distributes content like articles or cartoons across multiple outlets, maximizing reach.
The Associated Press is a well-known news syndicate, providing stories to various member newspapers.
Media syndication helps smaller outlets access high-quality written content without needing a large reporting staff.

Criminal Organizations

The term is often associated with organized crime, where groups collaborate to achieve illegal goals.
Some notorious crime syndicates have been deeper woven into popular culture, like the mafia in films and books.
Syndicates in this context may coordinate various illegal activities, including trafficking and extortion.

Entertainment

Syndication plays a critical role in television, where shows that have completed their original runs are sold to multiple networks.
Classic TV shows like 'Friends' and 'The Office' have become wildly successful through syndication, reaching broader audiences.
This practice can significantly increase a program's profitability and keeps beloved shows alive in public consciousness.

Translations

Translations of the word "syndicate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sindicato

🇮🇳 सिंडिकेट

🇩🇪 Syndikat

🇮🇩 sindikasi

🇺🇦 синдикат

🇵🇱 syndykat

🇯🇵 シンジケート

🇫🇷 syndicat

🇪🇸 sindicato

🇹🇷 sendika

🇰🇷 신디케이트

🇸🇦 نقابة

🇨🇿 syndikát

🇸🇰 syndikát

🇨🇳 辛迪加

🇸🇮 sindikat

🇮🇸 samtök

🇰🇿 синдикат

🇬🇪 სინდიკატი

🇦🇿 sindikat

🇲🇽 sindicato

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,256, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
13253 dusky
13254 politic
13255 decentralization
13256 syndicate
13257 info
13258 subtracted
13259 gneiss
...